This incident points to a prank or harassment attempt designed to shock and unsettle recipients. The caller fabricates a dramatic scenario like a kidnapping to provoke a strong emotional response, then dismisses it as a joke before disconnecting. Such tactics often aim to test reactions or simply cause distress for amusement. Block the number immediately to prevent further contact, and report it to your phone carrier or authorities if it escalates. Avoid engaging with unknown callers claiming emergencies—hang up and verify independently. Document details like time and description for potential patterns in nuisance calls.
The caller, a woman, asked for an unfamiliar name and claimed the person's son had just been kidnapped; when I expressed doubt, she apologized, said it was a joke, and hung up.