CNBS warns of fraudulent government bonuses and investment scams in Honduras

The National Banking and Insurance Commission (CNBS) has issued an alert regarding fraudulent schemes targeting citizens in Honduras through social media, WhatsApp, and Telegram. Scammers are using fake advertisements for government bonuses, specifically impersonating the Secretariat of Social Development (Sedesol), and promising high-return, low-risk investments to lure victims.

According to CNBS Commissioner Gustavo Solórzano, criminals are impersonating public institutions, brokerage firms, and even real financial sector employees by using their names and photographs to establish legitimacy. Once victims engage with these posts or links, they are often directed to messaging groups where fake advisors attempt to steal money via transfers or harvest sensitive information, including banking details, passwords, and verification codes.

Beyond direct financial theft, the CNBS warns that these scams can lead to identity theft, where attackers gain control of WhatsApp accounts to impersonate victims and target their contacts.