HomeMy WebLinkAboutEPD_Kidnapping Scam
Contact: Lauren Siebenaler, Communications Intern
Phone 952-833-9522 commintern@EdinaMN.gov EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
EPD Warns Residents to Beware of Kidnapping Phone Scam
Edina, Minn., Oct. 5, 2016 — The Edina Police Department reminds residents to be aware of a kidnapping
phone call scam.
The scheme is targeting parents and grandparents. The phone number displayed as calling can be an out-of-
town number or spoofed as being an actual number of a family member such as a son or daughter to trick
the victim into thinking it’s really their loved one. The caller usually says they have their child/grandchild and
needs to be wired money in order to release them. The callers use a young voice to pretend to be the said
child and say things hysterically to persuade the scam victim into saving them.
“The officers who have been on these calls heard the person on the other end of the phone and it is
convincing. Some say it’s foolish, but this is choreographed and practiced. It works and I’m sure it doesn’t
work sometimes. But to the scammer, they just move onto the next person until it works,” said Sgt. Kevin
Rofidal.
The key to keep from getting scammed is to stay educated and to pass on information to family. Keep family
and friends updated on the latest scam and how to deal with them. The best strategy is to not answer calls
from phone numbers that are unfamiliar, and check with other family for the whereabouts of children or
grandchildren.
“In order to solve this, we need to figure out how they are getting these names and numbers. I don’t think
they’re going through a phone book and randomly choosing people to call. These victims are being targeted
and it tends to happen more frequently with the elderly,” said Rofidal.
For more information or if you have been the victim of a phone scam, call the Edina Police Department at
952-826-1610.
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