LANCASTER – Local \u00a0authorities are warning the public about a phone scam that has been targeting residents in the Antelope Valley.<\/p>\n
The scam starts with a phone call from a suspect pretending to have kidnapped the victim\u2019s child. Victims are told if they do not pay a ransom, their child will be killed.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn these incidences, the victims have immediately notified Lancaster Sheriff Station and their children were contacted and were safe. No kidnapping had taken place,\u201d local officials said in an advisory<\/a>.<\/p>\n The scam was attempted Tuesday afternoon when crooks called a bridal store in Quartz Hill. The scammer falsely claimed the shopkeeper’s daughter had been kidnapped and demanded a ransom, said Sgt. Dan Wolanski of the sheriff’s Lancaster Station.<\/p>\n The girl was located and was okay, Wolanski said.<\/p>\n \u201cPlease be aware of phone scams and immediately notify local law enforcement if you or your family are being threatened,\u201d officials said in the advisory. \u201cAlways know where your children are, who they are with, and have a means of contact at all times.\u201d<\/p>\n