Kidnap, ransom and extortion
What families think vs what actually happens
What people believe about kidnap and extortion usually comes from films. The reality is quieter, closer to home and far more common.
What families think, and what actually happens
"It only happens to the super rich." Targets are often chosen for being reachable, not famous.
"It would be a stranger." Information often leaks through people close to the family.
"Kidnap is the big risk." Extortion, threats and fake kidnap calls are far more common.
"It only happens abroad." It happens in the UK too, often by phone or online.
"We would just pay and it would be over." Paying quickly can raise the price and invite further demands.
"The police will handle everything." Police lead the case, families still need their own plan and support.
"Our insurance covers it." Many families have never checked what cover they actually have.
"We would know what to do." Without a plan, the first decisions get made in panic.
Remember: The best time to plan for a crisis is before it happens.
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