Fraudster convinced McMaster international student to fake own kidnapping
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Cops in Steeltown are warning about an elaborate identity theft scam that targeted an international student and resulted in a staged kidnapping.
Hamilton Police say officers were called to the area of Main St. W. and Emerson St. last Friday, April 29, to investigate the alleged extortion and abduction of a McMaster international student.
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“The student had last been seen at approximately 4 p.m. the day before,” police said in a statement released Thursday. “The victim in this matter was located unharmed and in good health at an address in Peterborough by Investigators on Friday.”
“The circumstances are being shared with the public in efforts to warn potential victims,” police added.
Police explained the victim received a phone call in early February from a scammer posing as a Chinese embassy official in Ottawa who advised that their identity had been compromised.
“The victim was instructed to call police in Shanghai where someone using their name had committed a serious criminal offence,” police said.
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Police said the student called the number and spoke to another fraudster “posing as a high-ranking police official.”
“The victim was warned that they could face a lengthy incarceration if their name was not cleared,” police said. “With the promise that all funds would be returned upon completion of the investigation, the victim transferred a significant amount of money to the fraudster.”
“The victim was sworn to secrecy while the ‘investigation’ was ongoing,” police said.
Late last month, unable to keep up the payments, police said the victim was told to “fake their own kidnapping in order to ask for ransom money.”
“The victim sent a video to their parents who, believing that their child had been kidnapped, also transferred a significant amount of money to the fraudster,” police said.
Cops said police in China have been notified and the cash transferred by the parents has been secured.
“The student is safe,” police said.
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Police offered the following advice to anyone who receives a similar call:
— Be suspicious of calls that demand money or immediate action;
— No law enforcement agency will demand payment of currency in order to conduct an investigation;
— Never offer information to the caller;
— Remember to never send money to someone under uncertain conditions;
— Don’t be afraid to say “No”.
Anyone who believes they have fallen victim to such a scam is urged to call police at 905-546-4925.
On Twitter: @sundoucette
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