Lethbridge Police Station - LNN

By Dori Modney

LPS offer words of caution about kidnapping/ransom scam

Feb 27, 2020 | 2:50 PM

LETHBRIDGE — City police are advising residents to be wary of a kidnapping/ransom phone scam making the rounds,

On Tuesday (Feb. 25) two residents reported receiving suspicious phone calls from an overseas number. The first recipient did not answer the call that appeared to originate from Jordan.

The second recipient answered, heard a female scream and was told by a male that her daughter had been kidnapped before the line disconnected.

Multiple Calgarians received similar calls from Jordanian numbers the same day.

Typically, the scam begins with a phone call alleging a family member has been kidnapped or is being held captive. Screams can often be heard in the background. Callers will typically demand cash – usually via wire transfer – to ensure the safe return of the victim.

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Police advise anyone who receives such a call not to comply with the caller’s demands, never give out personal information over the phone and report suspicious phone calls to police.