HOUSTON – A frightening new phone scam is tricking people into sending hundreds of dollars to thieves. Police are calling it the “virtual kidnapping scam.” Our KPRC 2 Investigates team has the details you need to know so you don’t fall for it.
You’ve probably heard before about phone scams that prey on the elderly and grandparents. But this one flipped the script when 25-year-old John Schaudel says his phone rang late one night and his caller ID showed it was his mom.
“So I just heard some crying on the phone. Then some man’s voice came on and he basically just said, ‘I escaped from jail and I have your mom hostage,’ essentially,’” Schaudel said.
As the crying continued in the background Schaudel said the man demanded money.
“My family is not helping me out. I just need some quick money. If you Venmo me, I will basically just walk away right now and leave,” he explained. “I thought this guy was gonna beat up and kill my mom.”
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With the man on the line, Schaudel texted his father, an HPD police officer, trying to let him know his mom was in danger. He texted his younger brother, “Mom has been kidnapped. Wake up, dad!” But when the man on the phone grew more angry and irate, he did what he asked.
He sent $900 by Venmo to protect his mother. Seconds later, he got a…
