CrimeStoppers and the Honolulu Police Department want the public to be aware of a phone extortion scam demanding ransom for the kidnapping of loved ones.

Police say there have been recent cases of victims receiving these phone calls from unknown individuals, claiming they have kidnapped their loved ones, and demanding ransom. In one case, the victim received a phone call from his wife’s phone number, which had been spoofed. The victim believed the person on the phone because it appeared that the call had originated from his wife’s phone.

Police advise individuals receiving these types of calls to do their best to confirm loved ones are safe. Do not pay the ransom, and contact police to file a report.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 955-8300 or text *CRIME on a cellular phone. Free cellular calls are provided by AT&T, Nextel Hawaii, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless Hawaii, Mobi PCS, and Hawaiian Telcom. Anonymous web tips can also be filed at honolulucrimestoppers.org or via the P3 Tips app.