MANHATTAN- Law enforcement authorities in Riley County are investigating a scam that involves a fraudulent caller who threatens family members and demands money.

According to reports the caller will say that they
have taken a family member hostage and that you must send money for their release.

In one instance, background noise was also produced that made it appear that the family member was present and may be in immediate distress. In another instance it appears that the scammers may have temporarily occupied the family member’s telephone so that the victim would be unable to contact them.

The caller also says that the family member may be harmed if the money is not paid.

The caller next asks the potential victim to electronically pay a ransom.

Community members should know that this scam has been
reported several times in the Manhattan and Riley County area. Officers are investigating these incidents and are working to stop this activity.

Anytime that a person receives a call and is asked in any way to send money you should immediately be suspicious.

Please call Police (call 911 if it is an emergency) to report any suspicious calls.