Scam alert: Kidnapping and ransom phone calls

The Madera Police Department and other law enforcement agencies are seeing an increase in scam calls designed to create fear and panic within the community. This rise appears to be linked, in part, to the widespread media coverage surrounding the Nancy Guthrie missing person case.

In this latest scheme, scammers are contacting residents and falsely claiming that a family member has been kidnapped. They then pressure victims to send immediate ransom payments, often requesting money through cash apps, wire transfers, online payment platforms, or gift cards.