Stamford police are issuing a warning to Spanish-speaking families about a surge in scam phone calls targeting them through WhatsApp.

Authorities say the scam involves a kidnapping threat and a demand for money.

They say the scammers are using voice recordings of loved ones to make their calls seem legitimate. These recordings are often used to create a sense of urgency and convince victims to send money or share personal information.

The number of these scam calls has increased significantly over the past three weeks, police said.

Authorities urge residents to be cautious of any unsolicited calls, especially those claiming to be from a family member in distress. If you receive such a call, it's crucial to verify the information with the person you believe is in need.

Police also advise against sending money or sharing personal details over the phone, regardless of how convincing the caller may seem.

Anyone who believes they have been a victim of this scam should report it to local authorities.