SCAM ALERT: Allan Hancock police alerts students and faculty of kidnapping phone call scam

The Allan Hancock district police department is alerting Hancock students, faculty and staff to recent incidents of a kidnapping phone call scam.

In the past week, two Hancock community members have received kidnapping scam phone calls.

These calls are similar to virtual kidnapping phone call scam reported nationally over the last several months.

The scams reported to Hancock involved community members receiving calls from an unknown person claiming that they had kidnaped a family member or relative and demanded money. In both cases, Hancock Police Department determined that no actual kidnapping had taken place and that the calls were a scam.

If you believe you’ve been involved in any type of phone scam, call 911 or your local law enforcement agency immediately.

The FBI recommends the following in the event of a potential kidnapping phone scam:

In most cases, the best course of action is to hang up the phone
Attempt to call the alleged victim by phone, text or social media and request they call back from their cell phone. Contact family members to see if they have been called as well.
If you do engage in the call, do not disclose your loved one’s name or provide any identifying information.
Try to slow down the situation.
Request to speak to your family members directly. Ask ” How do I know my loved one is OK? ”

FBI says if you suspect a real kidnapping is taking place or you believe a ransom demand is a scheme, contact your nearest FBI office or local police station.

You can call the FBI at 1-505-889-1300

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KEYT 2019