Aurora police: Scammers threaten to kill family members

Scammers have been calling Aurora residents and threatening to kill family members unless ransom is paid, police say.

According to residents who have been called, the callers do not identify themselves before telling residents that one of their family members, whom they refer to by name, has been involved in an accident and is being held hostage. The caller then demands money or the family member will be killed, according to an Aurora police news release.

Police said the calls seem to be placed locally. However, detailed information on people is easily accessible via the Internet or social media and specialized devices can spoof caller ID to make incoming calls appear to be local, police said.

According to the release, police are not yet aware of any resident giving into the demands and losing money.

If you receive a similar phone call, call 9-1-1, then verify the well-being of your family member by calling or texting his or her cellphone.

Police have heard from several residents who have received the phone calls in recent weeks.