Latest ‘Virtual Kidnapping’ Scam Claims $200,000 From Concerned Parents

Chinese-speaking scammers are posing as Chinese authority figures (including police) and duping Chinese students in Australia to participate in "virtual kidnappings," while extorting their family members at the same time (Image Supplied NSW Police).

SYDNEY—An international Chinese student has been found safe after an elaborate “virtual kidnapping” incident in Sydney that saw a family in China pay more than $200,000 in “ransom” money.

The 18-year-old woman was reported missing on Sept. 8 to New South Wales (NSW) Police by friends concerned for her welfare.