Authorities in Argentina and Colombia warn of rising identity theft scams

Authorities in Argentina and Colombia have issued warnings regarding new cybercrime tactics involving identity theft and impersonation.

In Pehuajó, Argentina, the local municipality alerted the community that criminals are cloning the WhatsApp identity of Mayor Pablo Javier Zurro. Using the mayor's photograph, scammers contact local merchants and suppliers to request formal quotes or large orders. Officials suspect the goal is to use malicious links to hack devices or seize control of messaging accounts.

In Colombia, the Registraduría Nacional del Estado Civil warned of fraudulent phone calls claiming citizens have been selected for social prosperity subsidies. Scammers send web links and request video calls to ‘validate data,’ a tactic designed to extract confidential information and breach bank accounts. The institution clarified that it does not manage or distribute any state economic incentives or social programs.