City warns residents about kidnapping scam

Santa Clara is warning residents about a phone extortion scam that preys on parents’ worst nightmares.

According to a city news release, public safety dispatchers are seeing an increase in the use of a scheme where someone calls a parent or grandparent demanding a ransom to save their child’s life, threatening to kill or hurt them if they don’t.

The scheme is also called virtual kidnapping, and although the child is safe, the parent can often hear one crying or asking for help in the background.

“The success of any type of phone scam depends on fear and speed,” the release notes, adding that the perpetrators have only a little while to demand money, usually via wire transfer, before victims figure out what’s happening or police become involved.

The scammers often insist people stay on the line and try to prevent them from contacting the supposed victim, according to the release.

In most instances, according to the city, people who think they might be the victim of a kidnapping scam should hang up or try to stall, asking questions like, “How do I know my loved one is OK?” They should avoid saying the name of the allegedly kidnapped child or sharing any other information. If the alleged victims speaks, listen closely and separately attempt to text or call him or her. Don’t pay a ransom.

People who believe an actual kidnapping is taking place should dial 911. Residents of Santa Clara who believe they are the target of a ransom scheme should call the Santa Clara Police Department’s non-emergency phone line at 408-615-5580.

Santa Clara police did not immediately return a voicemail seeking comment about how many residents have been targeted.