Kidnapping Scam Preys on Your Panic | Patch PM

Stories to talk about tonight:

Latest Scam: Caller Claims Family Member Has Been Kidnapped

A woman in Arlington received a frightening phone call Thursday informing her that her father had been kidnapped and would be killed unless she provided the caller with money. But it was all a scam, police say, and one of several reports of similar scams in the region this week.

"The female victim received a phone call at approximately 12:48 p.m. from an unknown caller stating he had kidnapped and would kill her father unless she provided him with money," according to a police statement. "While attempting to retrieve funds, the victim’s father called her place of employment advising that he was not in danger." >>> Read more.

More:

• Scam Callers Demand Money in Virtual Kidnapping Schemes: LCSO
• Leesburg Police Warn Community of Virtual Kidnapping Schemes

'Mean Girls' Musical to Premiere in DC in Fall 2017

It's been 12 years since the hit movie "Mean Girls" was unleashed on the world, launching Lindsey Lohan to stardom, and now a musical version of the film will be making its premiere right here in D.C. next fall.

It's been public knowledge that the "Mean Girls" theater adaptation would be coming at some point for a few years, but now we know that the musical -- which is being created by Tina Fey, who was a screenwriter for the film -- will debut here in the nation's capital next fall. >>> Read more.

• The governor's action allows agencies and private entities the authority to support relief efforts in states impacted by Hurricane Matthew.

• All city schools secondary school principals met with students Thursday; schools chief Magouryk sent a letter to parents.

• A Purcellville resident reportedly purchased a puppy online and then sent shipment charges before discovering it was a scam.

Patch PM shares a few of the day’s must-read items from our Va. and D.C. networks. The Patch community platform covers communities across the area.