‘KIDNAPPING’ PHONE SCAM CIRCULATING BRENHAM
The Brenham Police Department is warning citizens about a “kidnapping” phone scam circulating the community.
Victims are called from a private number and told a family member has been kidnapped. The scammers then demand money for family member’s safe release.
According to Brenham Police Chief Craig Goodman, the scam hit two separate victims Friday in Brenham.
“A citizen received a phone call on her cell phone from an unknown caller Friday, saying they kidnapped her daughter” said Goodman. “The caller said the daughter witnessed something she shouldn’t have- where $2,000 was lost, a car was stolen, and a gun was stolen.”
The male caller told the mother he would allow her to pay the ransom over two weeks.
Goodman says the call was very convincing because when the mother asked to speak with her daughter, she heard a female voice in the background saying, “Mama, do what they say. Please calm down.”
However, before the victim wired the money to Puerto Rico as instructed, she asked to speak with her daughter again.
It was at this time that victim heard the same female voice, saying the same phrase- and she realized it was a recording.
“The good news is, the money was not wired” said Goodman. “But a scam is going around where they are convincing loved ones their family members have been kidnapped and are essentially requiring a ransom so harm doesn’t come to them.”
Goodman says if you receive a suspicious call like this, hang up immediately and call the Brenham Police Department at 979-337-7337.
I received a call from a young man claiming to be my grandson. Called me Grandma. My grand children call me MIMI. This young man told me this ‘Ta… ” actual name of my grandson. ” I was in an accident and am in the Oklahoma City jail” when I asked why, he said ” Grandson I have stiches in my mouth and can’t talk very clear. I ran the stop light and the cops thought I was drunk” I asked the young man, well were you drinking? He said , “I only had a glass of wine but thought I was drunk, I am so sorry Grandma, but I need you to send money for my bail. I can give a number you to call to pay for it. ” I wrote it down and never called it. He actually thought I was going to call and send money. (I know where my grand children are).