County Police Warn of Kidnap Scam

Nassau County police are searching for a man trying to extort money over the phone in a kidnap scam.

Police say 13 incidents have been reported since Nov. 1 and each has involved a caller stating that a family member had been kidnapped, held hostage or involved in an auto accident. The caller then asks the victim to send money, usually through Western Union, to save or help the family member.

“It’s a demand of money and we're asking everyone to be aware,” Public Information Officer Eloise Abdullah said.

Three of the incidents included the threat of serious physical injury against the person being held, police said. The phone calls have come before noon in all but one case.

Officials warn this is an ongoing telephone scam and to report any similar incidents to police.

Nassau Police ask if you believe you may have been a victim of this scam, please call 911 immediately.

One Freeport resident claims his family was contacted. "So [Monday] some creeps thought they would scam family members by saying they kidnapped a family member," the man posted on Facebook. "And would shoot them if $2,000 wasn't delivered to a set destination."

Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the party responsible are asked to call Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS (8477). All calls remain anonymous.

Story by Jason Molinet; Pam Robinson contributed to this report