Mexico warns of new SMS and WhatsApp scams targeting electricity and tax refunds

Mexico’s energy regulator and the Institute of Mexican Executives of Finance have issued alerts about a surge in fraudulent messages sent via SMS, WhatsApp and email. One scheme pretends to be an electricity provider, warning recipients of an imminent power cut and urging them to click a link to pay an alleged debt. The link can install malware that steals passwords, banking apps and personal data.

A second fraud pattern mimics the tax authority (SAT), promising a refund or balance in the taxpayer’s favor. The messages contain links that do not use the official sat.gob.mx domain and request personal or bank information. Authorities advise citizens not to open such links, to verify any refund directly on the SAT portal, and to report suspicious communications to consumer‑protection agencies. The fraud has affected especially users aged 40‑50 who frequently use digital banking services.