Mexican universities issue alerts regarding extortion and forensic training

The Universidad de las Artes de Yucatán (UNAY) has issued an alert regarding extortion attempts targeting its students, faculty, and administrative staff. Perpetrators are reportedly using phone calls and messages involving threats and claims of family kidnappings to intimidate victims. In some instances, extortionists use personal details such as names and workplaces to increase the credibility of their threats.

UNAY has advised its community to exercise caution, avoid sharing personal information on social media, and verify any emergencies directly with family members before making payments. The university recommended reporting incidents to 911 or the anonymous reporting line 089.

Separately, UDE Universidad issued a notice in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, regarding criminology and criminalistics students conducting forensic investigation practices. The institution clarified that students wearing protective suits and simulating crime scenes are performing authorized academic activities for professional training and urged the public not to be alarmed by these simulations.