Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsIf someone calls claiming a loved one has been kidnapped, slow the conversation down and verify the person’s safety through a separate channel. Do not disclose family details or rush into a payment. If you cannot quickly confirm they are safe—or the threat may be real—call local emergency services or police immediately. In the United States, FBI guidance says to call 911 if there is any doubt.
What to do first when someone claims a loved one was kidnapped
- Stay calm and slow the exchange. A virtual-kidnapping caller may use fear and urgency to push you into paying before you can check. Do not agree to a rushed payment or an in-person meeting.
- Do not confirm personal details. Avoid saying the loved one’s name, giving travel or family information, or sharing financial details that could help the caller make the story more convincing.
- Ask to speak with the alleged victim. You can ask, “How do I know my loved one is okay?” as the FBI’s El Paso advisory recommends. A response from the caller is not, by itself, proof of safety.
- Verify independently using another phone or channel. Call or message your loved one using a number or account you already know, and ask them to call you back from their own phone. Contact trusted people who may know where they are. Do not let the caller’s line be your only way to assess the claim.
- Escalate without delay if uncertainty remains. If you cannot quickly verify the person’s safety, or the threat could be real, contact local emergency services or law enforcement. Do not delay that call to keep trying checks.
FBI guidance is U.S.-oriented: call 911 if you think a kidnapping may be real or cannot resolve the uncertainty. Elsewhere, contact your local emergency number or police.
How to judge “proof of life” and other evidence
A voice or scream
Hearing a distressed voice or scream can be frightening, but it does not conclusively establish that a kidnapping occurred. The FBI warns that recordings may be used to simulate screams. Keep trying independent contact and involve authorities if safety remains uncertain.
A photo or video
A photo or video is not conclusive proof of life. In a December 5, 2025 public service announcement, the FBI warned that criminals may alter photos or videos found on social media or other public sites and send them as fake proof of life. If it is safe, save the media and compare it closely with confirmed images, but do not rely on it alone or postpone contacting authorities.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
A private family code word
If your family agreed on a private emergency password in advance, ask for it without revealing or hinting at the answer. A code word can add context, but it does not replace contacting the loved one independently or calling authorities when the claim remains uncertain.
Warning signs that call for verification—not assumptions
The FBI identifies several patterns associated with virtual kidnapping extortion calls:
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- The caller tries to keep you on the line or prevent you from contacting the loved one.
- The call comes from a number other than the loved one’s phone.
- The caller demands an immediate ransom or uses intense pressure.
- The caller requests payment by wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or a peer-to-peer service.
- The caller supplies a scream, voice, photo, or video as supposed proof of life.
These are reasons to verify independently and contact law enforcement, not a checklist that proves the emergency is fake. A real threat cannot be ruled out just because a call resembles a known scam pattern.
What to preserve and report
If you suspect a virtual-kidnapping scam, preserve what may help authorities: caller numbers, messages, payment instructions or details, and any photos, videos, or audio. Do not put yourself at risk to collect evidence. The FBI’s 2025 alert directs victims of suspected virtual-kidnapping scams to report them to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3); when a person may be in immediate danger, contact emergency services or local police first.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Prepare your family before an emergency
- Agree on a private family emergency password in advance and keep it off social media.
- Be careful about publicly sharing travel dates and locations.
- Make sure family members know to contact one another through a separate, familiar channel if an alarming call arrives.
The FBI does not keep national statistics on virtual kidnapping for ransom, so local or historical figures should not be read as a current nationwide rate.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Sources
- FBI El Paso: “FBI Warns Public of ‘Virtual Kidnapping’ Extortion Calls”
- FBI Public Service Announcement, December 5, 2025: fake proof-of-life photos in virtual kidnapping for ransom scams
- FBI Chicago advisory on virtual kidnapping scams
- FBI Phoenix advisory on virtual kidnapping scams and national statistics
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
