Virtual Kidnapping

• 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
  
• ‘Virtual kidnapping’ scam prompts warning from North Vancouver RCMP

  Police said software was used to make call look like it came from the victim's wife's phone and a woman could be heard pretending to be his wife in the background.

  Crime

  Nov 23, 2022
  
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• Fake kidnappers ‘spoofed’ their cellphone, then scammed their partner for a $10K ‘ransom’

  The scam bears a resemblance to the so-called “virtual kidnapping” scams that have prompted police warnings in recent months, but with a new twist.

  Canada

  Jul 18, 2018
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• 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
• 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
• 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
• Winnipeg Police Service warning residents of kidnapping scam

  The Winnipeg Police Service are warning residents of a new scam in the city.

  Feb 7, 2018
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• Virtual kidnapping scam makes its way in to Winnipeg

  Winnipeg Police have received reports of virtual kidnapping scams happening in Winnipeg.

  Investigations

  Jan 13, 2018
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• Edmonton police warn of ‘virtual kidnapping’ scheme targeting Chinese students

  Edmonton police are warning residents of a "virtual kidnapping" scheme that may be making its way to Edmonton's Chinese community from British Columbia.

  Crime

  Nov 2, 2017