What Is Online Abduction And How To Prevent It

Kai Zhuang, a 17-year-old Chinese exchange student, became a victim of a “cyber-kidnapping” scheme that resulted in his parents being blackmailed for $80,000 (about Rs 66 lakh). Police subsequently stated that they discovered him “cold and scared” in a tent in the Utah desert, but otherwise alive.

The event started when Mr. Zhuang’s Chinese parents reported him missing on Thursday, December 28, to authorities at his host high school in Riverdale, Utah, citing fears of a potential abduction and ransom demand.

Cyberkidnapping: What is it?

The term “cyber kidnapping” usually describes a kind of cybercrime in which perpetrators get unauthorized access to computer networks or data and then demand a ransom to unlock the system or stop the disclosure of private data. That’s a kind of cyber-extortion.

It is likely the case that, in the case of the Chinese exchange student, the victim or their family was tricked by cyberbullies into thinking that the individual was in danger or had been abducted, and that a ransom was required to free them. These scams often take advantage of victims’ anxiety and mental distress to demand money from them.

In this case, bank records, purchase information, and phone data were all thoroughly investigated, and the police concluded that the victim, Kai Zhuang, was alone in a tent around 25 miles north of Brigham City. Authorities increased their search efforts out of concern for Zhuang’s safety in Utah’s frigid climate, and on Sunday, December 31, they finally found him. Mr. Zhuang’s tent was found by a sergeant on a hike; it included just a sleeping bag, a thermal blanket, some water and food, and a few phones that were perhaps used for cyber-kidnapping. Mr. Zhuang was discovered to be “alive but very cold and scared” when help arrived.

According to Riverdale police, after his recovery, Kai Zhuang asked for a warm cheeseburger and a talk with his family, who had paid $80,000 for the cyber-kidnapping scheme.

 

Ways to avoid being a victim of cyber abduction?

The following general safety precautions should be thought of:

Keep an Eye Out for Unsolicited Messages:

Be wary of unwanted or unexpected communications, particularly ones that demand action or threaten dire repercussions.

Check Identifications:

Verify who is sending the communications and confirm their identification. Try to confirm the identity of the individual via a different, reliable communication channel if they say they are a family member or someone you know.

Don’t Share Indelicate Information:

Share only non-sensitive material online, such as private photos and data about yourself. Controlling the usage of information after it has been released may be difficult.

Utilize your privacy settings:

To limit who may access your personal information, change the privacy settings on social networking sites. Be careful with what you disclose publicly and restrict who may view your profiles.

Educate Friends and Family:

Talk to your loved ones about possible online frauds and dangers. Create a communication protocol that allows you to confirm any strange messages or requests.

Report Any Strange Behavior:

Notify your local law enforcement agency or the appropriate authorities if you get any threatening or suspicious texts.

Take Aware of Social Engineering Techniques:

Be wary of social engineering techniques, which include coercing someone into disclosing private information. Be wary of impassioned pleas and demands for quick action.

Safeguard Your Electronics:

Use two-factor authentication, updated security software, and strong passwords to keep your devices safe from unwanted access.

Become Informed:

Remain aware of typical online risks and frauds. Being aware of your surroundings is essential to avoiding being duped and extorted.

Consult Experts:

Consider speaking with cybersecurity experts or law enforcement organizations with expertise handling similar cases if you think you may have been the victim of cyber abduction.

Chinese nationals living in the US were cautioned by the Chinese embassy in Washington about the dangers of “virtual kidnapping” and other internet fraud. Authorities draw attention to a new practice that targets international exchange students—especially those from China.