# Digital fraud and extortion in Mexico

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/digital-fraud-and-extortion-in-mexico
> Updated: 2026-11-05T21:59:14.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 3.

Mexican security agencies, including the State Public Security Secretariat (SSPE) and the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), have issued multiple warnings regarding various digital fraud and extortion schemes.

Initial alerts from the states of Chihuahua and Nayarit focused on predatory digital loan applications and ‘gota a gota’ lending schemes. Criminals use these apps to access personal files and contacts, subsequently using that information to harass or extort victims when repayment terms are not met. To mitigate these risks, officials recommend verifying financial institutions through the National Commission for the Protection and Defense of Users of Financial Services (CONDUSEF) via the SIPRES system.

Subsequent warnings expanded to include fraudulent websites that impersonate the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) to scam citizens seeking Mexican passports. These sites mimic official branding to trick users into making fraudulent bank transfers. Authorities also warned of social engineering tactics where criminals impersonate banks, government officials, or family members to manipulate individuals into revealing sensitive information.

More recently, authorities have identified fraudulent job advertisements on social media. In Aguascalientes, the SSPE reported the removal of approximately 55 pages spreading false job offers, which officials stated were potentially linked to forced recruitment efforts. Additionally, the Secretariat for Women warned that criminals are using the institution’s name to promote fake work-from-home and part-time positions. The agency head, Laura Itzel Castillo Juárez, has ordered legal reviews to potentially pursue charges against those responsible.

## Timeline

### 2026-11-05: Mexican authorities warn of fraudulent job offers and forced recruitment

Mexican authorities have removed dozens of fraudulent job websites and warned against fake social media advertisements used for scams and potential forced recruitment.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mexican-authorities-warn-of-fraudulent-job-offers-and-forced-recruitment

### 2026-10-27: Mexican authorities issue alerts regarding digital fraud and fake passport sites

Mexican security agencies are warning citizens about fraudulent websites impersonating the SRE for passport appointments and social engineering scams targeting personal and financial data.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mexican-authorities-issue-alerts-regarding-digital-fraud-and-fake-passport-sites

### 2026-10-22: Mexican security agencies warn against predatory loan apps and extortion

Security agencies in Chihuahua and Nayarit warn against fraudulent loan apps and 'gota a gota' schemes used for extortion and identity theft, advising citizens to verify lenders via CONDUSEF.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mexican-security-agencies-warn-against-predatory-loan-apps-and-extortion

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Cite as: Digital fraud and extortion in Mexico. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/digital-fraud-and-extortion-in-mexico