Phone-based financial scams proliferate across the Americas

In the Dominican Republic, criminals use a method known as “mirror transfers” to defraud victims. Scammers claim an erroneous deposit and persuade the target to forward the same amount to a third account, often using forged receipts. When the initial transfer is cancelled or never finalized, the victim loses their own money while the fraudster disappears. Experts advise checking for “in transit” status, contacting the bank directly, and never trusting screenshots of transfers.

In the United States, a growing scam involves silent phone calls that ring with no answer on the other end. Callers use automated software to create an unsettling pause, then exploit the recipient’s anxiety to push a rapid‑fire financial request. Authorities warn that the brief, silent interaction can precede a request for money or personal data, and recommend hanging up, verifying the caller’s identity independently, and reporting suspicious activity.

Both schemes rely on social‑engineering tactics that pressure individuals into acting without proper verification, highlighting the need for heightened public awareness and caution when dealing with unexpected financial communications.