On 8/8, Dong Nai police rescued an 18-year-old man from a high-tech "online kidnapping" scam, preventing his family from falling prey to the ransom demand.

Messages from the scammers threatening the victim. Photo: Dong Nai Police

Two days earlier, the family reported their son kidnapped. The alleged kidnappers demanded 300 million VND, claiming it was a debt the young man owed. When the family contacted their son, he confirmed he was "being held" and urged them to pay for his release.

The scammers used various phone numbers, constantly calling and pressuring the family. They threatened to "cut off a finger" for every hour the payment was delayed. Fearing for their son's safety, the family contacted the police while considering paying the ransom.

The Criminal Police Department recognized the "online kidnapping" scam, a prevalent tactic recently. They stopped the family from transferring the money and tracked the victim to a hotel in Linh Xuan ward, Ho Chi Minh City, later that evening. The young man was alone and realized he had been manipulated.

The scammers used Google Meet to control the victim inside the hotel room. Photo: CACC

Dong Nai police explained the scammers impersonate police officers or prosecutors, reciting the victim's personal information, including their citizen identity card number, birthdate, and address. They claim the victim is involved in a fraud case, intimidating them into following instructions to avoid immediate arrest.

The scammers instruct victims to go to a hotel alone and use Google Meet for communication and monitoring. They force victims to record videos and take photos without clothes, ostensibly to check for tattoos, but actually to use as leverage for extorting money from the family.

Phuoc Tuan