Nassau cops of telephone kidnapping scam

Nassau County police are looking for victims of a telephone scam that seeks money in exchange for the safety of a family member.

Police said in a Tuesday news release that since Nov. 1 they have investigated several instances of the scam, which threatens family members or intimates that a family member has been kidnapped or involved in a serious accident.

In each case, a male caller states that a family member needs help and that only a money transfer will solve the problem, police said.

In three investigations a threat of serious physical injury against a person being held was used. In all but one case the calls have been made before noon, police said.

The news release said police are alerting residents of the scam and ask that they report any similar incidents.

Victims can report cases by calling 911 immediately or by calling Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 800-244-8477. All calls remain anonymous.

All calls will be kept confidential.