Phone scammers target Des Moines families claiming children have been kidnapped

Linh Ta
The Des Moines Register

Des Moines-area families are receiving fraudulent calls claiming their child was kidnapped and they need to send money for their child's return.

This photo illustration depicts a man as a scam artist using his cell phone to conduct an illegal enterprise.

On Wednesday, Des Moines schools tweeted that families in the metro area have been receiving calls demanding a ransom for their "kidnapped" child.

In every case, no child was actually kidnapped and he or she was found safe at either school or another location, according to the district.

Des Moines police say the calls are fake and scammers are trying to scare families into giving them money. 

If you receive a call from a scammer, police say to write down the phone number and provide authorities as much information as possible from the call.