Police seek to identify man following virtual kidnapping scam

ACT Policing is seeking the public’s assistance to identify a man who can assist police following a virtual kidnapping scam incident last year. 

In August 2023, an international student residing in the ACT was targeted by scammers, resulting in a sum of money being paid. 

Police would like to identify and speak with the man in the CCTV footage, which has been released today, who it is believed may be able to assist investigators with their ongoing enquiries. 

The man is described as being of Asian background, and was wearing glasses, and a black suit and tie at the time the footage was captured. 

Virtual kidnapping is a complex scam, often targeting international students, where scammers contact the victim by phone and typically impersonate a person of authority from their home country.  

Scammers typically tell the victim they are linked to a crime and use information about the victim, either from social media or other sources, and fake documents to legitimise the scam. Eventually, scammers will convince the victim to leave their residence and demand money from the victim’s family. 

Anyone who can identify the man, or who has any information in relation to this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or on the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Please quote reference 7542162. Information can be provided anonymously.     

You can find more information in relation to virtual kidnapping scams via our factsheet found here. 

MEDIA ENQUIRIES  

POLICE MEDIA — (02) 5126 9070,  act-police-media@afp.gov.au