The police in Singapore are advising the public to be very vigilant especially with their loved-ones because there is a new kidnap scam and it is just a phone call away.

On Friday, police said several victims were scammed over the telephone. A caller allegedly told the victims that one of their family members had been kidnapped and would be harmed if they didn't pay the ransom money.

They found out later that the reported kidnapping was not true. One family who was cheated paid $50,000.

The culprit has not been found yet.

Police urged the public to be alert at all times.