Scams going around · Text messages

Virtual kidnapping text scam

Pretends to be kidnappers who say they are holding your loved one. A text says someone has kidnapped a loved one, such as your son, daughter or grandchild. The sender wants a ransom, meaning money to let them go, paid right away. The sender is pretending to be a kidnapper. They often send a photo taken from social media and changed to look real.

An example of what it can look like

Not a real message: the details are made up.

(305) 555-0172
We have your daughter. Do not call the police or anyone else. Send the money in the next 30 minutes and she comes home. Photo attached so you know this is real. Reply READY for payment steps.

How to tell

A stranger texts that they have your loved one and wants a ransom (money to let them go) paid right away.
They threaten to hurt your loved one and tell you to hurry or keep it secret.
The photo or video may look a little off next to real photos of your loved one. Look for a missing tattoo or scar, or a body that looks the wrong shape.
The photo is set to disappear after a short time, so you cannot look at it closely.
They want money sent in a way that is hard to get back. That could be a gift card or cryptocurrency (a kind of digital money). It could also be a payment app (an app for sending money), or wiring money through a company like Western Union or MoneyGram.

What to do

Stop and think. Ask yourself if the story makes sense. The rush is part of the trick.
If you can, take a screenshot (a picture of your screen) of the photo and the texts right away. The photo may disappear soon.
Before you pay anything, call or text your loved one yourself. Use the number you already have for them.
Call another family member or friend, even if the text says to keep it secret.
Tell your local police as soon as you can, even if the text says not to.

If you already tapped, paid, called or replied

If you paid with Zelle or a bank transfer, tell your bank or credit union right away. Ask them to reverse the payment and refund your money.
Did you use a payment app (an app for sending money, like Venmo) or a wire transfer company like Western Union? Report it to them right away. Ask them to refund your money.
If you paid with cryptocurrency (a kind of digital money), contact the company or ATM operator you used right away. Ask them to reverse it and refund your money.
If you paid with a gift card, call the number on the back of the card right away. Tell them a scammer tricked you. Keep the card and the receipt, if you have it.
Report it at ic3.gov. Include the phone numbers, how you paid, the texts and the photos. Tell your local police too.

How to check for real

Call or text your loved one on the number you already have saved, not a number from the text. Or call another family member or friend who can help you check. If you still cannot reach them, call your local police. Later, set up a code word with your family, one only you and they know, to use if this happens again.

Where to report it

FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov
Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Your local police department
Your state attorney general

Free guides that go with this

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Where this comes from

Written from these official warnings, checked 2026-09-25. Lantern is not part of any organization named on this page.