Behind the Crime

Think about people’s motives in life. Why would they do the things they do? Some would respond with “money,” “education” or “just because I have to.” However, have you ever thought about why kidnappers or scammers take advantage of people? What is their real motive? Some common reasons may include jealousy, control, revenge or profit.
Kidnapping can be grouped into three main categories: family kidnapping, acquaintance kidnapping and stranger kidnapping. Of the three, the most common form of kidnapping is family kidnapping, in which the kidnapper is frequently a parent and the victim is under six years old. However, stranger kidnapping, which victimizes females more often than males, tends to occur in outdoor locations where both teenagers and children are most likely to be targeted. Sexual assault and robbery are common reasons for stranger kidnapping, but can be causes of family and acquaintance of kidnapping.
Another popular offense is scamming. Since the Internet has become a more affluent part of society, it is now easier for scammers to attack those who cannot fend for themselves. They target all people, regardless of their background, age or income level. There is no one particular group of individuals that is more likely to become a victim of a scam versus another. Scammers take people’s need or desire for something and use it to their advantage. Scammers can also obtain personal information that can lead to identity theft and emotional trauma. According to a 2008 study by Ultrascan, a research agency, people who are in emotionally unstable states are more vulnerable to frauds.
Regardless of their reasons for taking advantage of others, people need to be wary of their surroundings and the capabilities of strangers.
By: Staff Writer Jennifer Thai