Prov Police Warn About Kidnapping Scam in Area

Prov Police Warn About Kidnapping Scam in Area

The Providence Police are warning residents about a kidnapping scam the is occurring throughout the area. 

The police issued the following warning: 

"Scammers are using social media as a means to obtain personal information about their future victims, such as where they live, the cars they drive, their names, and names of family members and friends. The scammers then call one of their potential targets and alert them that a family member or friend bas been involved in a motor vehicle accident and are being held captive until money is sent to an account for ransom. While on the phone with the victim, the scammers will record portions of the conversation and instruct the victim to say specific phrases. Scammers will then call family members of the initial victim and alert them that he or she has been in an accident and being held captive. Scammers use the voice recordings to play back for each of the victims, convincing them that the story is legitimate. Scammers are also using technology that allows them to call from specific phone numbers, including those belonging to the victims. Police urge the public to call police first if they receive any phone call of this nature. 

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If you have been a victim of a similar incident, please contact Providence Police at (401) 272- 1111 (Emergency) or (401) 272-3121 (Non-Emergency)."