The FBI has issued a warning about a wave of “virtual kidnapping” scams where cybercriminals use manipulated images and AI-powered impersonation to prey on people’s worst fears.
In a recent announcement, the bureau warns that scammers are now combing social media for photos of potential victims or their relatives, then altering them and sending them as “proof-of-life” in ransom demands.
“The criminal actors pose as kidnappers and provide seemingly real photos or videos of victims along with de