On March 13 the King County Sheriff’s Office released information on a new scam that recently surfaced.

It was reported on March 8 that a mom in the Ravensdale area had dropped her kids off at the school bus. A short time later, she received a call from a blocked number. The male caller, described as having an accent, stated he had her daughter.

The release stated he used her real name, however the last name was a little different. He told the mom if she didn’t meet him with money in exchange for his daughter, he would “kill the child,” the release stated.

The mom called the school and confirmed both her daughters were in school and safe.

Four days later, on March 12 a similar incident happened in White Center. A father received a phone call from “a younger sounding female” who pretending to be his daughter. She claimed she had been kidnapped and needed money to release her.

A male suspect then got on the phone and demanded money or he “would hurt her,” the release stated.

The father also called the school and confirmed his child was safe at school.

The Sheriff’s Office warns to keep in mind these types of calls are scams and you should never provide money over the phone.