An elementary school employee was targeted in a frightening scam Thursday morning after receiving a call claiming a family member had been taken hostage.

At about 9 a.m. on October 29, the caller said the family member was being held after interrupting alleged criminal activity. The caller threatened to harm them if police were contacted and ordered the employee to stay on the phone. The victim also heard a voice they believed belonged to their family member, making the threat seem credible.

The caller then directed the victim to withdraw money from a bank and bring it to Walmart as ransom. Bank employees recognized the unusual request as a possible scam and contacted the family member, who confirmed they were safe and had not been held hostage.

While the kidnapping claim was false, the stress was significant. The victim suffered a serious medical event during the incident. Authorities are working to identify the caller.

Officials encourage families to discuss this type of scam, particularly with people who may be more vulnerable to pressure or threats.

If you receive a similar call, hang up and contact your loved one directly using a number you know. Do not send money or share personal or financial information, and report the threat to law enforcement.

Authorities thanked the bank employees for their quick response, which helped protect the victim