Mexico City Citizen Council warns of vehicle fraud scheme

The Citizen Council for Security and Justice of Mexico City has issued a warning regarding a fraudulent scheme known as ‘Creditrampa’. This scam typically begins with attractive vehicle listings on social media, often featuring low prices or easy payment terms.

Fraudsters use fake documentation, such as forged invoices and engine serial numbers, to establish legitimacy. They then pressure victims to provide immediate deposits to ‘reserve’ the vehicle. According to reports, 55% of initial contacts occur via Facebook, followed by in-person offers at 25%, phone calls at 7%, and WhatsApp at 4%.

Financial losses vary significantly; while 41% of cases involve amounts between 10,000 and 30,000 pesos, the highest recorded loss reached 770,000 pesos. Beyond financial theft, the Council warns that victims may be lured to isolated locations under the guise of viewing the vehicle, where they risk being robbed of their belongings or their own cars. To prevent fraud, authorities recommend verifying vehicle status through the Public Vehicle Registry (Repuve) and confirming the identity of the seller.