Virtual Kidnapping
From Cognitive Attack Taxonomy
Virtual Kidnapping
Short Description: A hoax scam that attempts to convince a victim that scammers are holding a loved one hostage.
CAT ID: CAT-2022-260
Layer: 8
Operational Scale: Tactical
Level of Maturity: Observed in the Wild
Category: TTP
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Detailed Description: A hoax scam that attempts to convince a victim that the kidnappers (the scammers) are holding a loved one hostage for ransom, which the victim must pay. These scams often incorporate photos of the victim or may impersonate the victim's phone number, email, or other identified communications platform.
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