The Goa Cybercrime Cell has recently issued a crucial advisory to the public, aiming to raise awareness about a distressing cyber scam known as virtual kidnapping or cyber kidnapping.
This advisory comes in the wake of numerous complaints received by the Cyber Crime Cell from parents who have been targeted by scammers making alarming phone calls.
According to Rahul Gupta, the Superintendent of Police in charge of Cyber Crime, the scam involves scammers contacting parents and falsely claiming that their child has been kidnapped or is in police custody.
These fraudulent calls often originate from numbers with foreign country codes like +92 (Pakistan), which are typically generated through a VPN. Police have emphasized that these scammers are resorting to emotional manipulation to extort money from frantic and anxious parents.
Virtual kidnapping is a type of scam where perpetrators use deception and manipulation to convince individuals that a loved one has been kidnapped. The scammers often provide fabricated evidence to support their claims, such as a recorded voice of the supposed victim pleading for help or demanding ransom money. This tactic is designed to strike fear and panic in the targeted individual, leading them to comply with the scammer’s demands.
The scammers employ various tactics to make their calls seem legitimate, including the use of VPN-generated numbers with foreign country codes and incorporating specific details or background noises to add credibility to their threats.
They rely on the element of surprise and intimidation to catch their targets off guard. They exploit the emotional vulnerability of individuals by preying on their natural instinct to protect and ensure the safety of their loved ones. By creating a sense of urgency and fear, the scammers aim to cloud the judgment of their targets, making them more susceptible to falling for the scam.
In response to this, Gupta has issued a stark warning, urging parents to remain calm and verify the claims before taking any action. He further counselled the public to be vigilant and resist succumbing to these manipulative strategies.
Importantly, Gupta emphasized that to ensure the safety of their children, parents should directly get in touch with them or reach out through other trusted family members or friends.
It is paramount not to yield to the scammer’s demands and under no circumstances should any money be given. Additionally, the police have urged the public not to fall prey to these fraudulent schemes and have encouraged reporting such incidents to the local police or cybercrime cell.
Furthermore, individuals have been advised to report these incidents on a specified platform to permanently block the numbers used by scammers. In light of these concerning developments, it is essential for the public to be extremely cautious and vigilant.
It is crucial for parents to be aware of these fraudulent tactics and to stay composed in the event of receiving such distressing calls. Verifying the safety and well-being of their children through direct contact and reaching out to trusted individuals is of utmost importance, and any unusual or suspicious calls should be reported immediately to the authorities.
The Goa Cybercrime Cell’s advisory serves as a timely reminder for the public to stay informed and guarded against such deceitful schemes.
By following the recommended precautions and promptly reporting any suspicious activity, individuals can play a crucial role in thwarting these malicious attempts and safeguarding themselves and their loved ones from falling victim to cybercrime.
SURAJ BNANDREKAR
Editor, Goemkarponn
