Mexico's SRE warns of fraudulent passport websites

The Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) has issued an alert regarding fraudulent websites and social media groups attempting to scam individuals seeking Mexican passports. These fraudulent sites often mimic official government aesthetics, using logos and colors similar to the SRE to deceive users into providing personal data and scheduling appointments.

Common tactics include using misleading domain names and promising expedited services via messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram in exchange for payment. Once a victim attempts a bank transfer, the scammers often claim a system error occurred and request a second payment.

The SRE emphasizes that scheduling appointments is free and that official fees must only be paid through authorized banking institutions. Citizens are advised to verify that all official government websites use the '.gob.mx' domain and to avoid making payments at convenience stores or transferring money to personal accounts. The Ministry has requested assistance from the Ministry of Security and Citizen Protection and the Cyber Police to investigate these fraudulent sites.