HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 22 EPD_KidnappingScam
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
Contact: Kaylin Eidsness, Senior Communications Coordinator
Phone 952-833-9537 • Fax 952-826-0389 • EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Edina Police Alerts Residents of Ransom Scam
Edina, Minn., May 22, 2018 – The Edina Police Department is alerting residents to a phone scam that has
surfaced within the last year.
An Edina parent was recently the target of a ransom scam, during which a caller said they had kidnapped the
parent’s child and wanted money in order to keep the child alive. A screaming “child” was heard in the
background of the call. The parent was able to get ahold of her child, and identify that it was a scam. The call
originated from Mexico.
“The scammers will go to great lengths to keep you on the phone, to prevent you from contacting your loved
one,” said Officer Dave Boosalis. “But in most cases, it’s best just to hang up the phone and contact local law
enforcement.”
To avoid becoming a victim, look for these possible indicators:
• Calls do not come from the supposed victim’s phone.
• Calls include demands for ransom money to be paid via wire transfer to Mexico; ransom amount
demands may drop quickly.
If you do receive a phone call, the Edina Police Department recommends following these tips from the FBI:
• If you don’t immediately hang up, but engage the caller, don’t call out your loved one’s name.
• Try to slow the situation down. Request to speak to your family member directly. Ask, “How do I
know my loved one is okay?”
• Ask questions only the alleged kidnap victim would know, such as the name of a pet. Avoid sharing
information about yourself or your family.
• Listen carefully to the voice of the alleged victim if they speak.
• Attempt to contact the alleged victim via phone, text or social media, and request that they call back
from their cell phone.
• To buy time, repeat the caller’s request and tell them you are writing down the demand, or tell the
caller you need time to get things moving.
• Don’t agree to pay a ransom, by wire or in person. Delivering money in person can be dangerous.
If you suspect a real kidnapping is taking place, call 9-1-1 immediately.
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