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October 8 2013 Spanish dance-pop act Delorean were reportedly victims of a "virtual kidnapping" in Mexico City recently, El Pais (via SPIN) reports. "Virtual kidnappings," acts of psychological manipulation and extortion, are pretty much what they sound likeâcriminals make the kidnappees and their families believe they're in greater danger than they actually are.

The case of Delorean is still a bit hazy, and the details are not entirely clear. Representatives for the band have not responded to requests for more information.

But according to the El Pais report: The band were in Mexico City for the local edition of the Mutek Festival, when they received a phone call at their hotel from criminals pretending to be hotel security. They were told their current hotel was unsafe, and were urged to move to a second hotel, which they did of their own volition. Kidnappers held them in this location, and one band member was ordered to buy a Mexican mobile phone.

According to the report, at that point, the band's family members were telephoned by an unidentified caller, who claimed the band was being held hostage and demanded a ransom. Throughout, both the artists and the family members were manipulated into not calling the police or other authorities.

At this point, Delorean are reportedly safe, but few further details about the incident have been shared.

Fellow Spaniards are taking the incident seriouslyâJohn Talabot and Pional have cut their Mexican tour short "for security reasons," Playground reports. "We are happy that our friends Delorean are OK," Talabot said.

Watch Pitchfork 3D's video for Delorean's "Real Love":

