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Mahesh

04/01/24 06:03 AM IST

Cyber kidnapping

In News
  • A Chinese student who was a victim of ‘cyber kidnapping’ has been found in rural Utah, unharmed. The 17-year-old, Kai Zhuang, was reported missing on December 28.
Cyber Kidnapping
  • Cyber kidnapping refers to a crime where the ‘kidnappers’ convince their victim to hide, and then contact their loved ones for ransom.
  • The victim is also made to send pictures that make it look like they are being held captive — showing them bound or gagged.
  • These are then shared with the family. Both parties believe their loved ones will be harmed if they don’t do as the kidnappers ask.
  • The ‘kidnappers’, though not physically present, monitor the victim online through video-call platforms.
  • With the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), such crimes can rise, as scammers can send people voice notes that sound exactly like a loved one in distress.
Prevention
  • Experts recommend being extra careful with calls from unknown numbers, though cyber criminals can also make it appear like they are calling from a loved one’s number.
  • Scammers can use data you have shared on social media to make their calls more convincing, so be careful of what you share about yourself and your children online, specially names, specific locations, pictures of your home, neighbourhood, or children’s school.
  • Experts also recommend checking up on your loved ones before making payments, and to approach the police.
Source- Indian Express

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