Police union calls decision to scrap gunshot detection system 'short-sighted'

FBI warns residents of Mexican 'virtual kidnapping' telephone scams

The FBI has launched a nationwide campaign to fight virtual kidnapping

A new scam has emerged that attempts to trick people into believing that a loved one is in danger to scam ransom money from their bank accounts.

But the FBI has launched a nationwide campaign to warn potential targets and fight back against "virtual kidnapping."

The fraudulent scheme starts with an English-language extortion call from Mexico to U.S. victims with absolutely no connections or ties to Mexico, according to FBI spokeswoman Chris Bavender.

Gregg Doyel column:Colts find new, horrible way to choke away victory ... again

Anderson Speedway:Crash ends with punches, a stun gun and arrests

"Although virtual kidnapping takes on many forms, it is always an extortion scheme, one that tricks victims into paying a ransom to free a loved one they believe is being threatened with violence or death," Bavender said in a statement. "Unlike traditional abductions, virtual kidnappers have not actually kidnapped anyone. Instead, through deceptions and threats, they coerce victims to pay a quick ransom before the scheme falls apart."

Scam indicators include callers going to great lengths to keep targets on the line; calls not being placed from the phone of the alleged victim; callers trying to prevent targets from contacting the “kidnapped” victim; and callers pushing for ransom money to be paid via wire transfer to Mexico.

Officials said in most cases, the best way to handle it is by hanging up the phone. But If you do engage the caller, don’t say your loved one’s name and ask questions that only the loved one would know.

You should also make every attempt to reach out to the victim via call, text or social media to verify that they are safe.

"If you suspect a real kidnapping is taking place, or you believe a ransom demand is a scheme, contact your nearest FBI office or local law enforcement immediately," Bavender said.

Call IndyStar reporter Justin L. Mack at (317) 444-6138 or email him at justin.mack@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter: @justinlmack.