On 04/10/2013 University Police received a request for assistance from a TU student’s family indicating the student had been abducted and that a $500 ransom had been demanded. Upon checking, it was determined that the TU student had not been abducted and was found safe on campus.
Investigation revealed that in the last several months, more than 10 telephone scam cases have been reported to law enforcement throughout this region that involves cell phone number 301-653-5495. The scams involve the caller stating the recipient’s family member has been involved in an accident or even kidnapped. The caller will not know the family members name. The scam involves the demand for money to be sent by wire transfer or money order and directs the recipient not to involve the police. Law enforcement has tracked the caller’s phone to Puerto Rico. Because the nature of the calls involve the safety of family members, a call recipient may miss critical clues and become traumatized unnecessarily. Please note the phone number in this alert and be aware of the scam.
