File photo (Image credit: CFJC Today).

By Aaron Schulze

"Hostage" Fraud

Williams Lake RCMP warn public of ‘hostage’ social media scam

Aug 20, 2025 | 8:50 AM

WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C. — Williams Lake RCMP are warning residents of a social media scam making its way around the community.

In a news release issued Tuesday (Aug. 19), RCMP say they recently investigated a possible hostage incident where a resident reported they were messaged by a friend from their contact list on Facebook.

The fraudster, posing as the friend, claimed they were being held hostage by a random individual and needed a certain amount of dollars in gift cards to be sent for their release. Police say the fraudster messaged a fake picture of a severed finger for added effect.

“Williams Lake RCMP attended the ‘hostage victim’s’ residence and confirmed they were unharmed and safe, knowing nothing of the reported incident. Williams Lake RCMP further investigated and determined the source of the messages were from another continent,” police state.

To protect themselves from social media fraud, residents are encouraged to communicate with their contact through other avenues such as a phone call or text, and to assess what their relationship with the person is and if it would make sense that they are specifically messaging them.

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Additionally, RCMP say being asked to pay in gift cards over social media is a red flag.

Residents are asked to visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre if they’re a victim or fraud, or if they’re searching for further tips on how to protect themselves.