So many people are sure they would never fall for many of the scams they hear about. For most, that’s probably true – especially if they’re confronted with something they can recognize as a scam and walk away.
Scammers have to reach out many, many times before they connect with a potential victim. Right now they are working tirelessly to put Artificial Intelligence/AI to work to come up with new ways to trick more people into responding. And these are scams that literally anyone could fall for.
Still doubt that you and your loved ones are at a new risk? Try this thought experiment: You get a phone call from a number you don’t recognize. You usually never pick up on numbers you don’t recognize but this time for some reason you do. Maybe you’re waiting for a call from someone whose number you’re not sure of.
But this is not the call you’re waiting for. It’s a scammer on the line pretending to be someone you care about very much – screaming and crying and saying they’re being held by kidnappers. They might say something as specific as, “Dad – it’s me! Help me!” They give a name and the name is right. And it sounds like that person. What do you do next?
If you’re like most people, your adrenaline starts rushing. You might feel lightheaded. You try to make of what’s going on, latching on to what you’re being told by the “kidnapper.” You’re fighting fear, extreme anxiety and desperation – hoping that this is some sick joke. Your only goal is to save your loved one … now!
It is sick – a sick scam with a new twist. The scammers are getting more and more business-like. They have your phone number from wherever – a previous data breach or some hack. They know your name. They may have been able to harvest the name and possibly the phone number of a loved one – again, from social media or wherever. And they use AI to mimic either exactly how your loved one sounds (if there are enough available examples of them speaking) or they replicate a voice that will sound “close enough” in the panic of the moment. Even if it’s your loved one’s phone number on Caller ID, that isn’t “proof” – Caller ID can easily be spoofed.
You and your family and friends need to be prepared to recognize and side-step the Kidnapping Scam. What can you do?
> First of all, never pick up on phone numbers you don’t recognize. Just don’t. Let them leave a message. Yup, it might lead to some irritating phone tag with a genuine caller. But a hang-up with no message is more likely to be a scammer.
> If you do receive a kidnapping call, stay as calm as possible and get off the phone. See if you can reach the supposedly-kidnapped person so you can confirm they’re safe. (The scammer will push to keep you on the phone so you can’t do that!) If you can’t reach the “victim,” call 911.
In their Hoax Kidnapping Scam Alert, the FBI says, “These scammers are convincing and their actions are criminal. The experience is traumatic for the people who receive these calls, especially since the scammers sound very real. If you receive a call of this type, report it to your local police or the FBI.”
The Canton Police agree. They urge local people to call 911 immediately in any situation like this. The police can help you figure out if it’s the Hoax Kidnapping Scam or some other scam, which it most likely is. If it’s anything else, the police are best-positioned to help you with that too.
From the “Smart About Money” Canton Citizen column published on October 2 2025.
Nick Maffeo is the President & CEO of Canton Co-operative Bank – right next to the Post Office – in Canton.
Have a question? Email to info@cantoncoopbank.com.