Boulder Police Warn About Kidnapping Scam
BOULDER, Colo. (CBS4)- Police in Boulder are warning about a scam that is targeting people living in Boulder.
Police say earlier this week, a man received a phone call from a phone number originating out of Mexico. The unidentified caller told the man that a group had kidnapped his daughter and she was being held hostage until he paid them money.
The caller then put a female on the line who was yelling and crying and saying she had been kidnapped. The man believed the girl's voice sounded like his daughter so he complied, sending $1,500 through Western Union to an account in Mexico.
After the transaction was complete, the man found out his daughter had not been kidnapped or threatened in any way.
Anyone who receives this type of call or any call believed to be suspicious should call 911.
Additional Information from Boulder Police:
If you receive a phone call from someone who demands payment of a ransom for a kidnapped victim, the following should be considered:
- Try to slow the situation down. Request to speak to the victim directly. Ask, "How do I know my loved one is okay?"
- If the person doesn't let you speak to the victim, ask the caller to describe the victim.
- Listen carefully to the voice of the kidnapped victim, if he or she speaks.
- Attempt to call, text, or contact the victim via social media. Request that the victim call back from his or her cell phone.
- While staying on the line with alleged kidnappers, try to call the alleged kidnap victim from another phone.
- To buy time, repeat the caller's request and say that you are writing down the demand, or tell the caller you need time to get things moving.
- Don't directly challenge or argue with the caller. Keep your voice low and steady.
We are asking anyone with information about this kidnapping scam or possible suspects to call the Boulder Police Department at 303-441-3333.
