Overview
- Criminals pose as kidnappers, demand immediate payment, and send manipulated photos or videos as supposed evidence, according to an FBI public alert.
- Images are scraped from public profiles on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and other sites, then altered with simple edits or AI to make them appear recent.
- Common red flags include missing tattoos or scars, distorted proportions, and lighting inconsistencies when compared with known photos.
- Scammers heighten pressure with threats, tight deadlines, and timed messages that restrict victims’ ability to scrutinize the material.
- The FBI advises tightening social-media privacy, limiting travel-related sharing, exercising caution with missing-person posts, preserving all communications, and reporting incidents to IC3.