The FBI recently announced that a new type of intimidation method is spreading: taking photos without permission, compiling images of injuries and signs of restraint, and demanding money by claiming that the person was “kidnapped.”
Fraudsters were found to take photos from social media, composite facial outlines, scars, and strings to look like the real thing, then claim kidnapping via text message and demand immediate remittance.
Even though there is no actual kidnapping, there are increasing cases of families sending money out of fear because the photos are too elaborate.
However, experts explained that composite images often leave a slight sense of incongruity, such as the shape or location of tattoos, moles, or scars being different, or the body proportions being misaligned.
Incorrect shadow direction or blurry ear and hand shapes were also cited as representative AI traces.
The investigative agency advised that even if you receive such a call, the top priority is not to send money immediately, but to call the family directly to check on the person’s fate.
He added that immediately securing the photo as a screenshot and determining a ‘secure code word’ among family members in advance will help determine the authenticity.