What is Cyber Kidnapping? Know All About the Infamous Term to Stay Safe

The recent case of Kai Zhuang, a Chinese exchange student in Utah who was found safe after a cyber kidnapping experience, has shed light on a disturbing new trend: Cyber Kidnapping/ Virtual Abductions. This emerging crime, unlike traditional kidnappings, uses psychological manipulation and digital trickery to extort money from loved ones, even though the victim is never physically harmed.

Seventeen-year-old student Kai Zhuang was declared missing on December 28, 2023, after Riverdale Police in Utah were notified by his high school. The school informed authorities that Kai's parents, who live in China, had reached out, expressing concern after receiving a photo suggesting their child had been held captive. 

The Riverdale Police in a press release statement states: “On December 28* 0830 PM, Riverdale Police received a report of a kidnapping. Officers were contacted by the high school of the missing foreign exchange student. The high school reported to Riverdale Police that they were contacted by the victim's parents in China.” 

“The parents reported to school officials that they received a photograph of their child that would indicate he was abducted, and they requested a ransom. Officers responded to the residence of the victim who was staying with a host family in Riverdale, Utah. The host family was unaware he was missing. They reported he was home the night prior and they heard him in the early morning hours of December 28th. There was no evidence to suggest he was forcefully taken from the home in Riverdale,” the press release adds.

According to the reports, the victim was being manipulated by kidnappers since 20 December 2023. The victim’s family paid $80,000 US Dollars as ransom due to continuous threats from kidnappers. 

The press release mentions: “Riverdale Police continued to investigate the report of the victim by speaking with the family by telephone in China. The family reported they had transferred approximately $80,000 US dollars to bank accounts in China due to continuous threats from the kidnappers. The family also provided the photograph of the victim and it appeared he was being held captive and was in danger.”

Kai was safely rescued due to the continuous efforts of Riverdale Police. He only wanted to talk to his family to tell them that he was safe and requested a cheeseburger. The victim was found without any heat source, limited food and water and many phones that were considered to be the source of cyber kidnapping. 

Source: Facebook/Riverdale Police Utah

What is Cyber Kidnapping? 

According to the FBI, “Although virtual kidnapping takes on many forms, it is always an extortion scheme—one that tricks victims into paying a ransom to free a loved one they believe is being threatened with violence or death. Unlike traditional abductions, virtual kidnappers have not actually kidnapped anyone. Instead, through deceptions and threats, they coerce victims to pay a quick ransom before the scheme falls apart.”

Cyber Kidnapping or Virtual Kidnapping occur entirely online. Criminals manipulate victims, often children or young adults, into believing they are in danger. They fabricate scenarios, using fabricated photos and videos, and extort money from frightened families.

The Tactics of Deception:

• Social Engineering: Cyber kidnappers exploit trust and vulnerabilities, manipulating emotional triggers like fear and anxiety to control victims and their families.
• Phishing and Malware: They may infiltrate online accounts or devices through fraudulent emails or malware, gaining access to personal information and potentially monitoring communications.
• Exploiting Technological Naivety: Victims unfamiliar with digital safety often prove more susceptible to falling for the elaborate deception.

How to Stay Safe from Cyber Kidnapping?

If you receive a chilling phone call claiming your loved one has been kidnapped and demanding a ransom, it's natural to panic. But remember, staying calm and taking careful steps can protect yourself and your loved one from falling victim to a cyber kidnapping. Here are the steps listed on National Institutes of Health that you can follow:

Slow the Situation Down:

• Don't engage in emotional responses. Keep your voice low and steady. Ask clarifying questions to buy time and gather information.
• Request to speak to the "victim" directly. If denied, ask for details about their appearance, clothing, or surroundings.
• Try to verify the victim's safety. Ask questions only your loved one would know the answer to, like a shared inside joke or a specific possession.

Gather Information:

• Listen carefully to the caller's voice. Note any accents, speech patterns, or background noises.
• Ask for specific details about the alleged kidnapping. Where and when did it occur? Who is responsible?
• Request a description of the "victim" and any vehicle involved. This information can be crucial for police identification.

Connect with the Victim (if possible):

• Attempt to contact the alleged victim directly. It is wise to call, text, or message the victim if this kind of situation arises. Ask them to communicate with you from their personal phone.
• If you have another phone line available, call the "victim" while still on the line with the caller. This can help confirm their safety or identify inconsistencies in the kidnapper's story.

Moreover, recognising unfamiliar area codes and being wary of wire transfer demands are smart precautions against cyber kidnapping.