If you believe a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) was kidnapped in Mexico, call (55) 8526 2561 from Mexico or 1-844-528-6611 from the United States. Have as much information as possible ready about the victim and the circumstances of the kidnapping.

Note that in Mexico, virtual kidnappings, a type of extortion scheme, are common. In a typical virtual kidnapping scheme, criminals convince family members that a relative was abducted when the person is actually safe but unreachable. The purported kidnappers often use threats to persuade victims to isolate themselves, making communication with family less likely. Unable to reach their relative, family members often consent to pay the ransom demand. In these cases, no one was kidnapped. In some cases the alleged victim is part of the extortion scheme. You may be able to contact the alleged victim by phone call or text. See information on extortion in Mexico.