Virtual Kidnapping Scam

• RCMP renew ‘virtual kidnapping’ warning after international student scammed in Burnaby

  Police say the victim was tricked into making fake hostage videos and also scammed out of "tens of thousands of dollars."

  Crime

  Dec 20, 2022
  
• Vancouver police renew ‘virtual kidnapping’ warning after scam targets 3rd student

  The scam usually targets young Chinese women who are in Canada to study.

  Crime

  Jun 13, 2018
  
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• Peterborough police warn international students of ‘virtual kidnapping’ scam

  Police say one international student in Peterborough lost $18,000 to the virtual kidnapping scam.

  Crime

  Jun 12, 2018
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• Calgary police warn international students about ‘virtual kidnapping’ scam

  Calgary police said there have been similar "virtual kidnappings" in other cities across the country and that the scammers use similar techniques to try to get money out of their victims.

  Canada

  Jun 1, 2018
• ‘Virtual kidnapping’ scam targeting Chinese students back in Vancouver: police

  The scam targets both Chinese students here in Canada, and their families back home who are tricked into believing the students have been kidnapped.

  Crime

  May 9, 2018
• Mounties warn of rise in ‘virtual kidnapping’ scams targeting Chinese nationals

  Victims of the scam are told their families are being held against their will, but no one has actually been taken.

  Crime

  Oct 23, 2017
• ‘Virtual kidnapping’ scam aimed at parents with college kids spreading

  Cases of "virtual kidnapping" have been reported over the past two months in Virginia, California, Texas, Arizona and other states.

  Crime

  Oct 8, 2016