Mexico City authorities alert against ‘G5’ counterfeit banknote scam

The Mexico City Citizen Security Secretariat (SSC) has issued an alert regarding a fraud scheme involving the sale of so-called ‘G5’ banknotes on social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp.

Criminals promote these items as high-quality counterfeit currency that is difficult to distinguish from authentic money. The scam typically operates by enticing victims through posts on Facebook Marketplace or private groups. Once a potential buyer expresses interest, the seller directs them to a private chat and requests a deposit or bank transfer to secure the package. After receiving the payment, the scammers often block the victim, provide false shipping information, or send entirely different products.

Authorities emphasize that beyond the immediate risk of being defrauded by sellers, the use or distribution of counterfeit currency is a federal crime in Mexico. According to the Bank of Mexico (Banxico), such actions can result in significant penalties, including up to 12 years in prison.