**Scammers Harvest Facebook Photos to Stage Fake Kidnappings, Warns FBI**

In a disturbing new tactic, scammers are using Facebook photos to stage fake kidnappings and extort ransom from victims' families. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a warning about this emerging threat, which combines elements of social media manipulation with the dark art of extortion.

The scam works like this: attackers harvest a victim's Facebook photos, often using AI or simple editing techniques to manipulate the images. They then use these altered photos as "proof-of-life" evidence in a fake kidnapping scenario. In reality, the victim is likely still going about their normal day, unaware of the drama unfolding around them.

This new tactic bears some resemblance to Facebook cloning scams, where attackers impersonate a victim on social media to scam friends and family. However, the fake kidnapping scheme takes it to a darker level by using manipulated photos as evidence to demand ransom from victims' loved ones. Both types of scams thrive on oversharing: when people post too much information about themselves online, scammers have everything they need to impersonate them.

To avoid falling prey to this scam, be aware of inconsistencies in the photos presented by scammers. Missing tattoos, unusual lighting, or proportions that don't quite match can all be red flags. Scammers rely on panic to get what they want, pushing tight deadlines and threatening violence to force split-second decisions.

The FBI's warning is part of a larger trend: ordinary profile photos, holiday snaps, and professional headshots are increasingly being weaponized for extortion rather than classic account hacking. In recent years, the agency has also warned about synthetic media and deepfakes – techniques used to create explicit images from benign photos – which are closely related to this pattern of abuse.

To protect yourself from these tactics, be mindful of what information you share on social media. Share personal photos only with actual friends and not for the whole world to see. When traveling, post your vacation photos when you're back home, not while you're away. Facebook's built-in privacy tools can also help you quickly adjust your settings.

If you find yourself on the receiving end of a virtual kidnapping attempt, don't panic. Here are some steps to take:

• Stay calm and verify the authenticity of the "evidence" presented by scammers
• Report the incident to the authorities immediately
• Use Malwarebytes Identity Theft Protection to safeguard your social media accounts

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