A Prescott Valley resident was recently targeted by scammers trying to convince him that they had kidnapped his wife and were holding her for ransom.

Prescott Valley Police say the victim received a phone call from a man who said he had the victim’s wife and would kill her if the victim called the police; and the victim could hear a woman screaming in the background.

Police spokeswoman Jodi Mullins says that in this type of scam, the suspect typically demands that the victim stay on the phone until they pay the supposed ransom—usually via gift cards or bitcoin—even while the victim goes to the store or bank.

“The local intended victim was brave and contacted police through another channel. When the officer arrived, she contacted the victim’s wife and verified that she was safe. Once the suspect realized that his scam was not going to go through, he hung up. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.”

Officials say scammers prey on your fears and try to get you to act immediately; so if you receive a call like this, take a moment to think and find some way to contact your loved one to verify their safety.

Josh Freeman | KAZM News Director | josh@mellowmountainradio.com