Chinese couple scammed out of $80K in virtual kidnapping of son on US student exchange
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A Chinese couple was scammed out of $80,000 after being told their son was kidnapped while on a student exchange program in Utah.
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The 17-year-old son, Kai Zhuang, was actually camping alone outside Salt Lake City per the scammer's instructions.
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Scammers target Chinese students, tell them to isolate themselves, take "captive" photos, and send ransom notes to families.
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Police found Zhuang cold and scared in a tent after the family paid an $80,000 ransom.
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The virtual kidnapping scam echoes similar schemes that target wealthy American tourists in Mexico.