Mexico and Spain issue new cyber‑fraud alerts for 2026 online sales

Mexico's Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC) warned that the start of the Hot Sale 2026 could trigger a rise in digital fraud, including fake websites, phishing SMS or email messages, QR‑code scams and direct‑transfer payment requests. The agency listed eight safety recommendations such as verifying site URLs, doubting unrealistically low prices, avoiding suspicious links, checking merchant reputation, using secure payment methods, protecting passwords and PINs, enabling two‑factor authentication and keeping purchase records.

Spain's Interior Ministry unveiled an updated strategic plan to confront a record 488,426 cyber‑crime offenses recorded in 2025, with fraud accounting for 429,677 cases – the highest in the series. The report highlighted the growth of smishing, vishing and Crime‑as‑a‑Service operations, as well as a surge in online hate‑based offences. The plan calls for reinforced resources for the police and Guardia Civil and measures to tackle the hidden “black figure” of unreported scams and identity‑theft victims.