Cybercriminals Use WhatsApp to Target Parents with Fake Kidnapping Scams

Cybercriminals in Hyderabad have started using WhatsApp to threaten parents with fake kidnapping scenarios, warns Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) MD VC Sajjanar. He highlighted that these criminals are targeting parents of school and college-going girls, posing as police officers, and claiming their daughters have been kidnapped.

A recent incident in Rayadurg, Hyderabad, involved cybercriminals calling a student's parents from an international number. Pretending to be police officers, they falsely claimed that their daughter had been abducted on her way to college. To make their threats believable, the criminals demanded ransom via online payment and even played the sound of a girl crying in the background. This scared the parents, who almost transferred the money in panic.

Fortunately, before proceeding with the payment, the parents contacted their relatives to verify their daughter's safety. They were relieved to learn that their daughter was safe at her college, unharmed, and attending her classes. After this, they immediately informed the local police.

Sajjanar stated that such fake kidnapping cases have been on the rise in the Telugu states, with criminals using emotional manipulation to scare parents into giving them money. He urged parents to remain calm if they receive suspicious calls, especially from foreign numbers, and avoid making any payments. He advised them to report these incidents to the local police right away, without succumbing to the threats.

This growing trend has alarmed authorities, and parents are being asked to stay vigilant and cautious, especially when receiving WhatsApp calls from unknown numbers. By reporting these fake kidnapping attempts, they can help prevent others from falling victim to these cybercriminals.