Bucks County Police Warn of Hostage Phone Scam

Police in Bucks County are warning residents not to fall prey to what they call a “Hostage Phone Scam.”

The phone scam involves a caller telling a victim a loved one is being held hostage and will not be released until a specified sum of money is paid.

Upper Makefield police say a local resident recently fell victim to the scam. The resident told police someone called them, saying their brother was involved in a car accident and was being held hostage. The caller was told unless they paid $950 for the damaged vehicle, their brother would not be released.

The resident went to Western Union and wired the money to Puerto Rico, according to police.

“After wiring the money, the virtual kidnapper told the resident that he felt bad and now wanted to send the money back and asked for their banking information. Fortunately, a neighboring police department, who was assisting us in trying to locate the resident, found the resident before more damage could be done,” according to Upper Makefield police.

Police say if someone attempts this type of scam, you should hang up and call them.