The Taylorville Police Department is warning residents about a recent ransom scam that uses spoofed phone numbers and could involve emerging artificial intelligence technology.

Police say they received a report in which scammers posed as kidnappers, calling a victim’s child and demanding money in exchange for a parent’s safety. Investigators say the caller ID appeared to show a familiar number, a tactic known as “spoofing,” which disguises the true origin of the call.

During the call, the victim reportedly heard someone crying in the background and believed it to be a family member. Authorities say the goal of these scams is to create panic and pressure victims into sending money quickly without verifying the situation.

Police are reminding residents to hang up immediately if they receive a suspicious call and try to contact the loved one directly or reach out to other family members to confirm their safety. They also advise never sending money through cryptocurrency, wire transfers, gift cards, or payment apps, as those payments are often impossible to recover.

Officials recommend asking specific personal questions if you stay on the line, especially details that could not be found on social media, and to avoid sharing any personal information that could help scammers make their story more convincing.

Even if no money is lost, residents are encouraged to report scam calls to local law enforcement so agencies can track trends and warn others.

Police also caution that scammers may begin using artificial intelligence to mimic voices using short audio clips gathered from social media or other sources.

The Taylorville Police Department says officers are available around the clock to help verify suspicious calls and urges residents to stay calm, take time to confirm information, and protect themselves from fraud.