The Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office is cautioning residents about an increasing kidnapping phone scam. Two incidents were reported today in which families were nearly convinced to send thousands of dollars to fake kidnappers. Sheriff Tommy Romero advises everyone to be vigilant and discuss this scam with elderly relatives, as they are vulnerable targets without social media access.
The scam involves receiving a phone call at any time of day, possibly from an unrecognized or familiar number. Picking up the call, you might hear background noise and then a child crying for help. In your heightened state, you may inadvertently reveal your child’s name. The scammer then uses this information and switches to an aggressive male voice, impersonating a kidnapper who demands money and warns against contacting the authorities.
To handle such a situation, it’s crucial to remain calm. Remember that this is a common scam that exploits fear for financial gain. Try verifying the caller’s identity; if unable to do so, hang up immediately. Do not provide personal information or negotiate with the caller. Disregard their intimidating language and threats; instead, report the incident to the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office.