Why Cyber Kidnapping Is In News?
Recently, a Chinese student, who fell victim to ‘cyber kidnapping’, was discovered safe in rural Utah. Kai Zhuang, aged 17, was reported missing on December 28. When police located him, his parents in China had already paid a ransom of $80,000. Zhuang’s parents notified his host school in Riverdale, Utah, about the apparent kidnapping. The school then alerted the police. He was found in a tent approximately 40 kilometers north of Brigham City, where it appears he had chosen to isolate himself. In the Utah boy’s case , his parents were sent a picture indicating he had been kidnapped. The police believe the kidnappers have manipulated him since December 20. He was traced by analysing call data and bank records.
- According to the FBI’s website, Although virtual kidnapping takes on many forms, it is always an extortion scheme—one that tricks victims into paying a ransom to free a loved one they believe is being threatened with violence or death.
- Unlike traditional abductions, virtual kidnappers have not actually kidnapped anyone.
- Instead, through deceptions and threats, they coerce victims to pay a quick ransom before the scheme falls apart.
- Experts believe that with the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), such crimes can rise, as scammers can send people voice notes that sound exactly like a loved one in distress.
- Last year, an Arizona woman testified in the US Senate about receiving just such a call. When Jennifer DeStefano picked up a call from an unknown number, “her 15-year-old daughter”, crying, told her some “bad men” had her. A man then threatened her and demanded ransom. After she cut the call, she called up her daughter, and realised she was safe.
- While there is no clear data yet on how many such case are there.
Check-Out: Cyber Crime Against Women
What is Cyber Kidnapping?
Cyber Kidnapping: Cyber Kidnapping is a kind of crime where the criminals trick their victims into hiding. Later, they get in touch with the victim’s family and ask for money. To make it seem real, the victim is made to take pictures that make it look like they are being held against their will, often showing themselves tied up or with their mouths covered. These misleading pictures are sent to the family, making it seem like there’s a danger. The victim and their family are made to think that not doing what the kidnappers want could put their loved ones in danger.
Table of Content
- What Is Cyber Kidnapping?
- The Tactics Of Deception
- Types Of Cyber Kidnapping
- How To Protect Yourself From Cyber Kidnapping?
- Why Cyber Kidnapping Is In News?
- The Information Technology Act, 2000
- Cyber Laws Of India
- Data About Online Fraud
- Cyber Kidnapping Cases
- Government Initiatives To Protect Cyber Frauds And Crimes
- Cyber Kidnapping – Future Challenges
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