FBI: Beware of 'virtual kidnapping' in South Texas

SAN ANTONIO — FBI officials are warning South Texas residents of extortion schemes — dubbed "virtual kidnappings" — that recently have targeted physicians.

During a "virtual kidnapping" scheme, callers — who pose as kidnappers or members of a criminal organization, drug cartel or corrupt law enforcement agency — demand ransom payments in exchange for "kidnapped" family members or friends, according to an FBI press release.

The kick? There's no actual kidnapping. Callers often enlist co-conspirators, who will scream in the background of a call to convince call recipients that their loved ones are being held hostage.

"The callers sometimes represent themselves as members of a drug cartel or corrupt law enforcement," Special Agent Michelle Lee told WOAI. "They will typically provide the victim with specific instructions to ensure the safe 'return' of the allegedly kidnapped individual, and that frequently involves demands of a ransom payment."

Scammers recently targeted doctors in El Paso, according to the El Paso Times. The FBI press release said they have seen an uptick in phony calls in the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas.

jfechter@express-news.net

Twitter: @JFreports