Lakeway Police warn against 'virtual kidnapping scam'

LAKEWAY, Texas (KXAN) -- The Lakeway Police Department on Monday warned the public about a "virtual kidnapping scam" that exploits a parent's fear for their child's safety.

LPD said it came to their attention when they got a call about a parent's daughter who had been kidnapped and the scam caller was attempting to meet at a Walmart or Target in the area.

The scam caller then suggested they had obtained some information about the parent and their family. LPD said officers were able to determine that the parent's daughter and family were safe and unaware of the kidnapping claim by the scam caller.

Authorities said that, based on the information obtained, the scam caller was likely attempting to obtain money from the parent.

If you receive an unusual or suspicious phone call, you can let the Lakeway Police Department know about the incident by contacting them at 512-261-2800.