Scammers Falsely Claim Abduction of Children to Trick Parents Into Paying Ransom
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Scammers Falsely Claim Abduction of Children to Trick Parents Into Paying Ransom

Con artists prey on parents’ fears by demanding payment to return their “kidnapped” children unharmed

August 7, 2025

Stay alert for alarming calls targeting parents in North Carolina and beyond. Scammers pose as abductors claiming they have kidnapped your child and demand ransom, often in gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency. These fraudsters use fear, urgency and personal details scavenged from social media to keep you on the line until you send money. Recognize the red flags and follow these steps to protect your family and finances.

How Scammers Gather Personal Information

Fraud rings often monitor social media profiles to collect names, addresses, family photos and school details. They tailor calls, using real names and even imitating a friend or your child. Always assume unsolicited callers could have accessed personal posts. Limit publicly visible family information online and adjust privacy settings on all accounts.

Red Flags of Child Abduction Ransom Calls

  • Unexpected calls from unknown area codes, fraud calls often originate outside your region, including Puerto Rico area codes 787 and 939.
  • Insistence you stay on the line to prevent you from calling for help.
  • Pressure to act immediately with no time to verify details.
  • Requests for untraceable payments, prepaid gift cards, MoneyPak, wire transfers or cryptocurrency.
  • An imposter child or “friend” reading a script, with odd pauses or speech mistakes.

Steps to Verify and Respond Safely

  1. Stay calm and collect information

    2. Note the caller ID number, time of call and any specifics they provide. Ask for proof, such as the child’s middle name or a detail only the real child would know.

  2. Attempt to contact your child

    3. Text or call your child’s cell phone, school or caregiver. If someone else answers, ask for immediate proof of identity.

  3. Hang up and verify

    4. Legitimate investigators or law enforcement will never demand gift cards or cryptocurrency. Call 911 or your local sheriff’s office directly using a publicly listed number to report the incident.

  4. Report the scam

    5. File a report with the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov and to the NC Department of Justice Consumer Protection Division at 919-716-6000. Reporting helps track scammers and prevents future victimization.

Local Reporting and Support Resources

  • Child Safety Education: The NC Children’s Trust Fund provides free resources and safety tips, find details on the NC Department of Health and Human Services website.
  • Victim Assistance: The Crime Victims Compensation Program helps cover costs associated with crimes, apply online through the NC Department of Public Safety.
  • Law Enforcement Contacts: Reach out to your local sheriff’s office or police department using publicly listed numbers rather than caller-provided ones to verify any urgent claims.

By recognizing these tactics, verifying information independently and reporting suspicious calls, you can protect your family and help disrupt these dangerous scams., verifying information independently and reporting suspicious calls, you can protect your family and help disrupt these dangerous scams.