FBI Warns of Virtual Kidnapping Scams Using Altered Social Media Photos

The FBI warns of criminals altering images shared on social media and using them as fake proof of life photos in virtual kidnapping ransom scams. This warning is part of a public service announcement published today.

Criminals contact victims via text message, claiming to have kidnapped a family member and demanding ransom payments. However, the FBI explains that these virtual kidnapping scams involve no actual abduction.

Instead, criminals use manipulated images found on social networks and publicly available information to create convincing scenarios designed to pressure victims into paying ransoms before verifying that their loved ones are safe.

The FBI stated, 'Criminal actors typically will contact their victims through text message claiming they have kidnapped their loved one and demand a ransom be paid for their release.' The agency noted that the criminals often express significant claims of violence towards the loved one if the ransom is not paid immediately.

They typically send what appears to be a genuine photo or video of the victim's loved one. However, these images often reveal inaccuracies when compared to confirmed photos of the loved one upon close inspection.

To protect against such scams, the FBI advises the public to be cautious of scammers who create a false sense of urgency and to carefully assess the validity of the kidnappers' claims. The FBI recommends taking several protective measures, such as avoiding providing personal information to strangers while traveling and establishing a code word known only to the family to verify communications during emergencies.

The agency also suggests being vigilant when sharing information about missing persons online, as scammers might reach out with false information. Additionally, the FBI recommends taking screenshots or recording proof-of-life photos whenever possible for later analysis during investigations, as scammers may use timed message features to limit the time victims have to analyze the images.

While the FBI did not disclose how many complaints regarding these virtual kidnapping scams have been filed with its Internet Crime Complaint Center, BleepingComputer has identified multiple instances of individuals targeted by similar scams that spoofed their loved ones' phone numbers.