Crime & Safety
Scam Callers Demand Money in Virtual Kidnapping Schemes: LCSO
A Sterling resident received a scam call which started with a child stating 'Daddy, daddy daddy' and then saying their child was kidnapped.
LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — A Sterling resident received a frightening kidnapping scam call which started with a female child stating “Daddy, daddy daddy” and then a male voice asking for money, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office (LCSO).
Deputies say that the complainant said that they received a phone call from an international number on Thursday, Oct. 6 at 12:52 p.m.
The caller told the victim that their daughter was kidnapped and warned them not to call the police. The complainant verified that all of their family members were okay and called LCSO.
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A similar incident occurred in Sterling on Wednesday, Oct. 6 at 4:36 p.m. According to the LCSO, the complainant stated that they received a phone call on their cell phone from a nonstandard phone number.
The female voice on the phone stated “help me, help me” followed by a male voice confirming that he kidnapped this female and hung up.
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The complainant contacted their family members and all were okay.
Loudoun County Sheriff's Office posted a warning to the community on Facebook about kidnapping scams in response to receiving reports of this scam this week.:
"This week residents in Loudoun County have reported a frightening scam. The residents reported receiving phone calls where the caller claims to have kidnapped their family member. While no actual kidnapping has taken place, the callers often use co-conspirators to convince their victims of the legitimacy of the threat. In some cases the caller has had a young female scream for help in the background during the call to make the call more convincing.
The caller will attempt to keep you from making any other calls. They will demand you send ransom immediately by wire transfer or prepaid card.
They’re lying. They didn’t kidnap anyone, but they hope you’ll panic and rush to pay ransom before checking the story."
More information on kidnapping scams can be found at http://go.usa.gov/xkYkb
Contact the LCSO if you receive a kidnapping scam telephone call.
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