In California, you violate this law when you seek to obtain ransom, a reward or extort money for the release of an alleged kidnapped person by posing as the kidnapper, the person who has detained the alleged victim, a person who has aided and abetted the kidnapper (in violation of California's aiding and abetting laws), or someone who has the ability to obtain the alleged victim's release. Now, if you actually do kidnap an individual for the purpose of obtaining ransom, a reward or to extort money or some other item of value, you face charges under Penal Code 209 PC, one of California's aggravated kidnapping laws.