Riverside County residents are being targeted by scam artists claiming to have abducted their loved ones and demanding money for their release, a sheriff’s sergeant said Friday.
Sgt. Russell Hilton said suspects most recently tried working the ransom scheme in Temecula, but residents countywide should be alert to the fraudulent activity.
According to Hilton, the perpetrators generally call or text their targets, saying that a family member has been kidnapped and will not be released until the person contacted transfers money to an unnamed account.
“Investigation into these matters has proven them be a hoax, used to trick unsuspecting family members into sending money,” Hilton said.
Sheriff’s officials have not made any arrests in connection with the scam.
Anyone who has been victimized was encouraged to call the sheriff’s Southwest Station at (951) 696-3000.
–City News Service