The day after California GOP congressional candidate Justin Fareed secured a spot on the ballot in November’s general election for the 24th District, his parents received a scary phone call.
The person on the other end of the line told the Fareeds they were part of the “Mexican Mafia” and had kidnapped their daughter. Mrs. Fareed could hear a young woman screaming in the background and assumed it was her daughter.
They were terrified. Justin Fareed told local TV station KEYT:
“Often times that creates a sense that adversely affects one’s judgment. It makes them jump to conclusions. My mom heard on the other end of the phone what she thought was my sister and it turned out to be a complete con. My sister is just fine,” said Fareed.
Santa Barbara County Sheriffs said no kidnappings have taken place, but the scammers do their homework in an effort to seem legitimate.
Residents who have answered these types of calls report the caller has spoken about their loved one by name. The callers often claim to be members of a drug cartel but in some instances, may represent themselves as corrupt law enforcement. They usually have specific instructions for the victim to ensure the safe return of their family member which typically involves a ransom payment.
Law enforcement officers responded to the Fareed home to investigate and reassure the family. According to Sheriff’s Office, if you receive a call like this they suggest you:
- Hang up the phone.
- Immediately contact family members.
- Notify law enforcement.
But if you suspect the call might be legitimate, they suggest you call the FBI or the nearest law enforcement agency immediately.
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