Blog Credit: Trupti Thakur
Image Courtesy: Google
The Cyber Kidnapping
The recent case of a Chinese student found unharmed in the US after his parents paid an $80,000 ransom to alleged ‘kidnappers’ has spotlighted the growing menace of cyber extortion plots globally involving convincing victims to isolate themselves.
What is Cyber Kidnapping?
Cyber kidnapping refers to an online extortion crime where scammers persuade an individual to hide somewhere while pretending to their loved ones they are captive.
The victims also share images seeming to indicate they are bound or gagged, furthering fears of harm if ransom is not paid.
In reality, the scammers simply monitor the individual remotely while negotiating payments from worried relatives who believe them abducted.
Mounting Global Evidence
While comprehensive data remains lacking, law agencies confirm cyber kidnappings are increasing worldwide, especially targeting international students.
Experts worry advances in AI like human-mimicking voice tech could make schemes more convincing for victims and families.
How It Unfolds
Scammers often use social media details to make initial contact and please for help appear credible and urgent. Victims are instructed to isolate themselves until funds are transferred. Encrypted apps allow remote monitoring.
The criminals then hide behind cryptocurrency to quickly collect ransoms before families realize no abduction occurred if victims are found safe.
Recommendations for the Public
- Experts advise exercising abundant caution with calls or messages from unknown numbers appearing to be loved ones in danger.
- Immediately contacting college authorities or law enforcement is critical before complying with any demands for money transfers.
- Limiting personal details on public online spaces can also thwart data harvesting by operatives scoping potential targets.
- As virtual communications continue displacing human connections, regulators require bolstering forensics, surveillance and reporting channels to curtail faceless exploitation of the vulnerable.
In Brief:
Cyber kidnapping involves tricking the victim or their family online, leading them to believe the person is in danger or kidnapped, and demanding a ransom for their release.
A 17-year-old Chinese exchange student, Kai Zhuang, fell victim to a “cyber-kidnapping” scam that led to his parents being extorted for $80,000 (Rs 66 lakh approx). He was later found alive but “cold and scared” in a tent in the Utah wilderness, as reported by the police.
The incident began when Mr Zhuang’s parents in China reported him missing on Thursday, December 28, expressing concerns about a possible kidnapping and ransom demand to officials at his host high school in Riverdale, Utah.
What is cyber kidnapping?
“Cyber kidnapping” typically refers to a form of cybercrime where attackers gain unauthorised access to computer systems or data and then demand ransom in exchange for restoring access or preventing the release of sensitive information. It is a type of extortion carried out in the digital realm.
In the context of the Chinese exchange student, it likely involves a situation where the victim or their family was deceived through online communication, leading them to believe that the person was in danger or kidnapped, and a ransom was demanded for their release. These schemes often exploit emotional pressure and fear to extort money from the victims.
In this particular instance, a thorough investigation involving bank records, purchases, and phone data led the police to believe the victim, Kai Zhuang, was isolated in a tent approximately 25 miles north of Brigham City. Fearing for Zhuang’s safety in Utah’s cold weather, authorities intensified their search, eventually locating him on Sunday, December 31. A sergeant hiking discovered Mr Zhuang’s tent, equipped only with a heat blanket, a sleeping bag, limited food and water, and several phones believed to be used for the cyber-kidnapping. Upon contact, Mr Zhuang was found “alive but very cold and scared”.
After being rescued, Kai Zhuang requested a warm cheeseburger and a conversation with his family, who had paid $80,000 during the cyber-kidnapping scam, as reported by Riverdale police.
How to not fall prey to cyber kidnapping?
Here are some general safety measures to consider:
Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Messages:
Exercise caution when receiving unexpected or unsolicited messages, especially those demanding actions or threatening consequences.
Verify Identities:
Confirm the identity of the person sending the messages. If the person claims to be a family member or someone you know, try to verify their identity through a separate and trusted communication channel.
Avoid Sharing Sensitive Information:
Be cautious about sharing sensitive information online, including personal details and compromising pictures. Once shared, it can be challenging to control how the information is used.
Use Privacy Settings:
Adjust privacy settings on social media platforms to control who can see your personal information. Limit access to your profiles and be mindful of what you share publicly.
Educate Family and Friends:
Inform your family and friends about potential cyber threats and scams. Establish a communication protocol to verify any unusual requests or messages.
Report Suspicious Activity:
If you receive threatening or suspicious messages, report them to the relevant authorities or your local law enforcement agency.
Be Mindful of Social Engineering Tactics:
Stay vigilant against social engineering tactics, where attackers manipulate individuals into divulging sensitive information. Be skeptical of emotional appeals and requests for urgent action.
Secure Your Devices:
Keep your devices secure with strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and updated security software to prevent unauthorized access.
Educate Yourself:
Stay informed about common cyber threats and scams. Awareness is a key defense against falling victim to manipulation and extortion attempts.
Consult with Professionals:
If you believe you’ve become a target of cyber kidnapping, consider consulting with cybersecurity professionals or law enforcement agencies experienced in dealing with such cases.
The Chinese embassy in Washington issued a warning to its citizens in the US about the risks of “virtual kidnapping” and other online fraud. Authorities highlight a recent trend targeting foreign exchange students, particularly those from China.
Blog By: Trupti Thakur