Virtual kidnapping scam highlighted

The virtual kidnapping scam was highlighted by city police Monday morning after a situation where two local international postsecondary students were targeted.

“Recently, two students from China have been targeted,” said Staff Sgt. Daniel MacLean from the criminal investigation unit.

“Peterborough Police Service is working closely with both post secondary institutions in Peterborough to ensure students are well-informed and feel safe,” he said.

Victims get a phone call from a number that appears to be coming from the Chinese consulate, MacLean said.

The caller then either tells the victim there is a Chinese warrant for their arrest or that the Chinese police need their help with an investigation.

The target is then convinced to make a video, in which they say they’ve been kidnapped or are the victim of a crime. The videos are sent to the victim’s family members who are extorted for money by paying the ransom.

“The scam is extremely sophisticated and elaborate,” MacLean said. “They’re looking to extort as much money as they can get.”

In the first scamming incident, approximately $18,000 in Canadian funds was extorted.

No money was handed over in the second incident.

Although the scam has been circulating nationally and internationally for about two years, local police first became aware of it in May after the first victim was targeted.

“Through proactive crime prevention education and messaging, we hope to prevent any further victimization of our international student population,” MacLean said.

As a result of the scam, Trent University has initiated a Scam Awareness Workshop for ESL (English as a Second Language) students.

“We do pre-enter training during orientation and we do workshops in all of the ESL classes to make them aware of these scams,” Trent international student advisor Paul Longhurst said. “Still occasionally, a student will fall victim to them, and when that happens, our priority is to offer them support.”

MacLean said citizens should be suspicious of who might be on the other end of the line.

“We urge students and the community at large to be careful of what your call display is showing,” he said. “It may say police, in reality, it may be an actual scammer.”

If you receive a scam phone call, call city police, Crime Stoppers or call the Canadian AntiFraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.