FBI public service announcement on virtual kidnapping ransom scams
Public Sector Action
Summary
Hide ▲
Show ▼
The FBI published a public service announcement warning that virtual kidnapping ransom scams use altered social media images as fake proof-of-life photos to pressure victims into paying. The warning matters because criminals are using text message threats and false urgency to extract ransom payments before families can verify that a loved one is safe. It also tells the public that the scam involves no actual abduction, only manipulation and coercion.
Related Happenings
FBI courier-assisted crypto scam warning
Advisory/Mitigation
H score32
First: 16.06.2026 11:15
Last: 16.06.2026 11:15
Sources 1
About this happening:
The **FBI** has renewed warnings about **cryptocurrency investment scams** that use **couriers and cash pickups** to bypass bank checks and keep victims sending money. The advisor...
FBI courier-assisted crypto scam warning
Advisory/MitigationAbout this happening: The **FBI** has renewed warnings about **cryptocurrency investment scams** that use **couriers and cash pickups** to bypass bank checks and keep victims sending money. The advisor...
FBI PSA on courier cash pickups in crypto scams
Public Sector Action
H score26
First: 15.06.2026 18:30
Last: 15.06.2026 18:30
Sources 1
About this happening:
The **FBI** published a **public service announcement** warning that scammers in **cryptocurrency investment fraud** are now using **couriers** to collect cash after suspicious tr...
FBI PSA on courier cash pickups in crypto scams
Public Sector ActionAbout this happening: The **FBI** published a **public service announcement** warning that scammers in **cryptocurrency investment fraud** are now using **couriers** to collect cash after suspicious tr...
U.S. sentencing of Deniss Zolotarjovs in Karakurt ransomware case
Law Enforcement
H score39
First: 05.05.2026 13:13
Last: 05.05.2026 13:13
Sources 1
About this happening:
**Deniss Zolotarjovs** was **sentenced to 8.5 years in prison** in the **United States** for serving as a **Karakurt ransomware** negotiator, resolving a cross-border cybercrime c...
U.S. sentencing of Deniss Zolotarjovs in Karakurt ransomware case
Law EnforcementAbout this happening: **Deniss Zolotarjovs** was **sentenced to 8.5 years in prison** in the **United States** for serving as a **Karakurt ransomware** negotiator, resolving a cross-border cybercrime c...
U.S. sentencing of Ryan Clifford Goldberg and Kevin Tyler Martin in BlackCat ransomware case
Law Enforcement
H score45
First: 01.05.2026 10:47
Last: 01.05.2026 10:47
Sources 1
About this happening:
**Ryan Clifford Goldberg** and **Kevin Tyler Martin**, former employees of **Sygnia** and **DigitalMint**, were sentenced in a **BlackCat (ALPHV) ransomware** law-enforcement case...
U.S. sentencing of Ryan Clifford Goldberg and Kevin Tyler Martin in BlackCat ransomware case
Law EnforcementAbout this happening: **Ryan Clifford Goldberg** and **Kevin Tyler Martin**, former employees of **Sygnia** and **DigitalMint**, were sentenced in a **BlackCat (ALPHV) ransomware** law-enforcement case...
Finnish arrest and U.S. charges in Bouquet Scattered Spider case
Law Enforcement
H score45
First: 28.04.2026 18:39
Last: 28.04.2026 18:39
Sources 1
About this happening:
**Finnish law enforcement** arrested **Bouquet**, and **U.S. federal prosecutors** later charged him in a cross-border **Scattered Spider** cybercrime case. The charges include **...
Finnish arrest and U.S. charges in Bouquet Scattered Spider case
Law EnforcementAbout this happening: **Finnish law enforcement** arrested **Bouquet**, and **U.S. federal prosecutors** later charged him in a cross-border **Scattered Spider** cybercrime case. The charges include **...
Timeline
-
05.12.2025 18:37 2 articles · 7mo ago
FBI warns about virtual kidnapping scams using altered social media photos
Initial DisclosureThe FBI published a public service announcement warning that criminals are contacting victims by text message, claiming a family member has been kidnapped, and using altered social media photos as fake proof-of-life images to pressure immediate ransom payment. The warning says virtual kidnapping scams involve no actual abduction and advises people to verify emergency claims, use a family code word, and scrutinize images or timed messages that may be used to reduce review time.
Show sources
- FBI warns of virtual kidnapping scams using altered social media photos — www.bleepingcomputer.com — 05.12.2025 18:37
- FBI warns of virtual kidnapping scams using altered social media photos — www.bleepingcomputer.com — 05.12.2025 18:37