Kidnapping Scams Plague LA County Residents

Los Angeles police today warned Southlanders that telephone scammers in Mexico have been calling people recently, claiming they are holding a family member hostage, and demanding an immediate payment of money.

“The suspect advises the victim to go to an ATM to withdraw money, and then send the money via wire services,” a Los Angeles Police Department statement said. “The phone calls are originating from Mexico.”

Police warned people to be wary of the following:

-- incoming calls made from an outside area code or country;

-- callers who go to great lengths to keep you on the phone, insisting you remain on the line;

-- calls that do not come from the “victim’s” own phone;

-- callers who try to prevent you from contacting the “victim”; and

-- demands for ransom money to be paid immediately via wire transfer.

Anyone who may have been victimized, or who has information or questions about this type of crime, should call detectives Orlando Martinez or Freddy Arroyo of the LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division at (213) 486-6840. During non- business hours, calls should be made to (877) LAPD-247.

City News Service