Virtual kidnapping scams: what to do if you get the call
Updated October 14, 2026 · 5 min read
In a virtual kidnapping scam, criminals phone and say they’ve kidnapped a family member, then demand a ransom. Nobody has been taken. The caller may play crying or screaming in the background, and some now use voice cloning to make it sound like the relative. The aim is to terrify you into paying before you can check.
What the call sounds like
You hear a distressed voice, perhaps “Mom, help me”, then a man demands money and tells you not to hang up, not to call anyone, and to stay on the line. They may ask for a wire or cryptocurrency and say you must pay within minutes.
What to do
- Stay calm. Remember that the demand to stay on the line exists so you can’t verify.
- Don’t pay. Do not send money, gift cards or crypto.
- Contact the person another way, without hanging up on the call if you can. Use a second phone, or ask someone nearby to call or message them, or message them yourself.
- Ask a question only they’d know, or ask for your family safe word.
- Call the police (911 in the US) and tell them what’s happening. Real kidnappings are handled by police.
How to protect your family
- Agree a family safe word and tell everyone, including older children.
- Make sure everyone knows the plan: if a call like this comes, verify first.
- Keep location sharing among family so you can see someone’s safe without relying on a call.
- With Countersign, ask the family member directly: they get a request on their own phone, and you see their answer.
Frequently asked questions
What is a virtual kidnapping scam?
A scam where criminals falsely claim they’ve kidnapped a relative and demand ransom, often with a cloned or distressed voice in the background.
Should I stay on the line?
The caller will insist on it. If you can, use another phone to contact the person or call the police while the caller stays connected.
Can AI fake my child’s voice crying?
Voice-cloning tools can imitate voices and emotions, so don’t assume a distressed voice is real. Verify through another channel.