Virtual Kidnapping Scams: AI-Enhanced Hoaxes Fooling Families and Firms
The FBI warns that criminals are using altered social media images for “virtual kidnapping” extortion scams. These fraudsters claim to have kidnapped loved ones, sending doctored “proof of life” photos. To dodge these shady shenanigans, the FBI suggests using a code word with loved ones and reporting scams to their Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Hot Take:
In a world where deepfakes make you question if your grandma’s lasagna is really homemade, virtual kidnappings now come with a twist that would make a soap opera writer blush. The FBI warns us that criminals have taken their Photoshop skills to new heights by using AI to create fake proof-of-life images for extortion scams. Seriously, what’s next? Ransom notes written in Comic Sans?
Key Points:
- Virtual kidnapping scams use AI to create fake proof-of-life photos.
- Scammers contact victims through text, claiming to have kidnapped a loved one.
- FBI warns against posting missing person info online to avoid being targeted.
- The scams are reminiscent of “grandparent scams” but with AI enhancements.
- FBI recommends setting a code word with loved ones and reporting incidents online.
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