As 2026 begins, the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence has introduced a chilling new threat to personal security: virtual kidnapping. The FBI has issued a widespread alert regarding a surge in extortion attempts where criminals use AI to scrape photos and audio from social media. By manipulating this data, they create "deepfake" proof-of-life videos and pictures that look and sound exactly like a victim’s family member. These incredibly realistic assets are sent to unsuspecting targets with demands for immediate ransom, often totaling thousands or even millions of dollars.
During a recent segment on the Roggin Report, host Tim O’Brien discussed this alarming trend with guests Doug and Jamiee Baker. The discussion highlighted a terrifying scenario: receiving a video of a spouse tied to a chair while they are actually safe elsewhere. While Doug jokingly remarked that kidnappers would likely pay him to take Jamiee back after a few hours of her "karaoke and squirrel-chasing," the underlying message was serious. Jamiee emphasized the need for skepticism, noting that she remains vigilant about not wiring money to unknown sources.
To defend against these sophisticated scams, the Bakers shared their personal security protocol. They utilize real-time GPS tracking to know each other's locations at all times and have established a secret "code word"—a simple phrase known only to them that can instantly verify a person’s identity during a crisis. As AI technology becomes more accessible to bad actors, these low-tech solutions, like the Bakers' secret phrase "Fred ain't here," are becoming essential tools for modern safety.
By: NBC Palm Springs
January 2, 2026
