[REVISION HISTORY]

Digital fraud and extortion in Mexico

1 recorded revision of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-29 20:37 UTC → 2026-11-06 22:02 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.

Versions

Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.