In a recent incident, 17-year-old Chinese exchange student Kai Zhuang became a victim of a “cyber-kidnapping” scam, resulting in his parents being extorted for $80,000 (approximately Rs 66 lakh). Although he was later found alive, the ordeal left him “cold and scared” in a tent in the Utah wilderness, according to police reports.
The chain of events unfolded when Mr. Zhuang’s parents in China reported him missing on Thursday, December 28, expressing fears of a potential kidnapping and ransom demand to officials at his host high school in Riverdale, Utah.
To prevent falling prey to such cyber-kidnapping schemes, exercise caution, especially when receiving unexpected or unsolicited messages. Stay vigilant and adopt preventive measures to protect yourself from potential cyber threats.
What is cyber kidnapping?
“Cyber kidnapping” typically refers to a cybercrime where unauthorized access is gained to computer systems or data, and the attackers demand a ransom in exchange for restoring access or preventing the release of sensitive information. It is a form of extortion carried out in the digital realm.
In the case of the Chinese exchange student, it likely involves a situation where the victim or their family was deceived through online communication, leading them to believe that the person was in danger or kidnapped, and a ransom was demanded for their release. These schemes often exploit emotional pressure and fear to extort money from the victims.
In this particular instance, a comprehensive investigation involving bank records, purchases, and phone data led the police to believe that the victim, Kai Zhuang, was isolated in a tent approximately 25 miles north of Brigham City. Concerned about Zhuang’s safety in Utah’s cold weather, authorities intensified their search, eventually locating him on Sunday, December 31. A sergeant hiking discovered Mr. Zhuang’s tent, equipped only with a heat blanket, a sleeping bag, limited food and water, and several phones believed to be used for the cyber-kidnapping. Upon contact, Mr. Zhuang was found “alive but very cold and scared.”
Following his rescue, Kai Zhuang requested a warm cheeseburger and a conversation with his family, who had paid $80,000 during the cyber-kidnapping scam, according to the Riverdale police.
