Tausi Insider

Photo : r.classen ( Shutterstock ) As unlikely as it is to happen, every parent can imagine the horror and helplessness they would feel if they discovered their child had been kidnapped. The rush of emotions you’d experience—especially if you received a call from your child begging you for help—might overwhelm you, leading you to act rashly and do whatever it took to get them back. And that’s just what the engineers of a new “virtual kidnapping” scam are counting on. Here’s what you need to know about “virtual kidnapping” schemes, including how to spot one before you become a victim. How does the“virtual kidnapping” ransom scam work? According to the Los Angeles Times , the perpetrators of these schemes will call parents and attempt to get them to believe their child has been abducted, and demand an immediate ransom payment. All the while, the child is still safe at school or with the babysitter—but the scammers are hoping you don’t find that out until after you’ve paid up. As FB...

Photo : Nitiphonphat ( Shutterstock ) These days, I get so many spam calls I hardly pick up the phone anymore. However, if I see a call from someone I kno w, whether they’re a friend or family member, I, of course, answer them (usually) . Unlike a random number, I know the person on the other end of the line, because I have their contact in my phone, right? Unfortunately, that’s not 100% true, and scammers are using that to their advantage. Take this TikTok from creator Citylivingsoutherngirl , for example. In the video, the creator describes getting a phone call from her mom. The call came through as any other call would: Her mom’s contact popped right up, nothing nefarious or suspect about it. She answered the call, only to hear what sounded like her mother’s voice far away from the phone, and sobbing. A man’s voice then answered, and demanded money from the girl or else he’d kill her mother. Of course, the creator was terrified, and eventually agreed to the demands. She talked...