Cops: New 'Kidnapping' Phone Scam In Bucks County

A phone scam alleging that the victim’s family member has been kidnapped and threatening violence unless cash is sent has been sweeping across the Bucks County area, police said.

Residents in Upper Makefield and Solebury have reported similar calls which claim the victim’s brother was in a car accident with the caller, according to police.

The caller then states that he has the victim’s brother “held hostage” with a gun to his head and demands payment of $950 for damage to his vehicle, police said.

The Solesbury incident reported the caller as a male with a Hispanic accent, dialing from a 585 area code, according to police.

The caller was unable to answer simple questions about the brother in Solesbury, and the victim immediately knew it was a scam, police said.

In Upper Makefield, however, the victim complied and sent $950 to Puerto Rico, according to police.

The fake kidnapper then said that he felt bad and wanted to return the money, asking for the victim’s banking information, police said.

“Fortunately, the resident was found before more damage could be done,” the Upper Makefield Township Police Department said on their Facebook page.

The FBI has been investigating similar scams since January, police said.

Residents who receive calls of this nature are urged never to act on the demands on the kidnappers, but to call authorities immediately.