VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Extortion cases continue to rise across the country, with the FBI reporting it as the second most common cybercrime in 2024.

WTKR continues uncovering disturbing cases that show how criminals are exploiting people's deepest fears and emotions.

A Virginia Beach woman recently received a terrifying phone call that demonstrates the sophisticated tactics scammers now use. The caller first claimed to be a Virginia Beach Police Officer, then said he was part of the Mexican cartel holding her friend hostage, according to a search warrant. The suspect even mentioned the friend by name, the search warrant states.

It states the caller demanded the woman go to a public area and give him $10,000 for her friend's release. She drove to Hilltop Plaza and told him she only had $2,

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