Digital payment scams target online sellers in Mexico

Sellers on social media and messaging platforms are being targeted by new digital payment scams, specifically involving fraudulent SPEI transfer receipts and the ‘overpayment’ scheme.

In the ‘overpayment’ scam, buyers immediately accept a price without negotiation and then claim they accidentally transferred more money than agreed. They often provide a fake screenshot as proof and use high-pressure tactics, such as claiming urgency, to trick the seller into returning the supposed excess funds. These images can be manipulated using artificial intelligence.

To prevent losses, experts recommend verifying all transactions directly through official banking applications or the Banco de México Electronic Payment Receipt (CEP) system rather than relying on screenshots sent via chat. Sellers should never return money until the funds are confirmed as credited in their own accounts. It is advised to establish clear rules that products are only released once the payment is formally confirmed by the financial institution.