Brazil VP says was targeted by ‘false kidnapping’ extortion scam, but handed over no money

Brazil VP says was targeted by extortion scam

BRASILIA, Brazil — Brazil’s vice president says he was the target of a failed extortion attempt.

Vice President Jose Alencar says he received a phone call from a man claiming to have kidnapped his daughter. The man demanded a ransom worth $29,000.

A crying woman was put on the phone and said: “Daddy, I was assaulted.”

Alencar said Tuesday he thought it was his daughter. But he explained he didn’t have easy access to the amount of money demanded.

The supposed kidnapper then asked what Alencar’s profession is and he replied: “I am the vice president of the republic.” The man hung up.

Alencar’s wife immediately phoned their daughter, verifying she was never kidnapped.

So-called “false kidnapping” schemes are common in Brazil.