Wilkes County sheriff warns of kidnapping ransom call scam

WASHINGTON, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office is warning families about an extremely convincing kidnapping and ransom phone scam that recently targeted a local resident.

Sheriff Darrell Powers says a local man answered a call that appeared to be coming from his wife’s actual phone number. Instead of hearing her voice, an unknown man claimed he had kidnapped the woman, was holding her for ransom and demanded money immediately.

The caller made aggressive threats, trying to frighten the husband into paying before he could verify her safety, Powers said.

The wife was found safe, but her cell phone had apparently been compromised and was no longer working properly. When deputies arrived at the couple’s home, the scammer was still on the line demanding money and making threats, Powers said.

Powers says this was a calculated attempt to create panic by using “spoofing” technology, which allows criminals to fake caller ID information so it looks like the call is coming from a trusted number.

The sheriff is urging residents to follow these safety steps if they get a similar call:

• Do not send money to anyone making ransom or threat demands.
• Do not trust caller ID alone – scammers can spoof familiar numbers, including those of loved ones.
• Do not let threats force you into quick decisions or payments.
• Call 911 immediately and let law enforcement help you verify your loved one’s safety and investigate.
• If possible, have someone else contact the supposed victim directly while you stay on the line with the caller.

Powers says scams like this are becoming more sophisticated and wants the warning shared widely, especially with elderly residents who are often targeted.

If you receive a call like this in Wilkes County, hang up and call 911 before sending any money.