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Chesterfield police warn about disturbing phone scam

Posted at 7:16 AM, Oct 12, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-12 07:17:44-04

CHESTERFIELD, Va – Officials from the Chesterfield County Police Department want to warn residents about a phone scam they’ve been hearing about recently.

Police say they’ve received reports from people who say an unknown caller called them claiming to be holding a loved on hostage. In many cases, the suspects claim to have a family member in holding.

The suspect then demands money in exchange for the safe release of the hostage. In some cases, the suspect also threatens to harm the victim on the phone. In each case, the alleged hostage has been safe and unaware of the scam call.

So far, victims have seen through this ruse and have not sent the scammers any money.

But police say even if you realize it’s a scam, you should call police immediately.

”You have to remember—if they’re saying they’re holding a hostage, that’s a possible kidnapping in progress. The first thing someone should do is call the police department to report it or the sheriff’s office, depending what jurisdiction they’re in,” said Sgt. Kevin Carroll with the Chesterfield County Police Department.

If you receive a call of this nature, report it to police immediately by calling 804-748-1251.