Syracuse police are warning the public about a relatively new phone scam that really plays on the emotions of its victims.
Police say the scam involves making a call using a fake Caller ID of a family member or loved one. The scammer will tell the scam victim that their family member or loved one has been kidnapped and a ransom must be paid immediately so no harm will come to that person. Police say several people have been duped by this scam, with police determining in every case that the supposed kidnap victim was safe at either work or at home.
Police say the scammers are relying on fear to get a scam victim to pay, so their advice is to hang up and immediately call 911 to report what happened. Then, call that person who was supposedly kidnapped to see if they can be reached.