# Extortion and kidnapping schemes in Michoacán > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/extortion-and-kidnapping-schemes-in-michoacn > Updated: 2026-08-09T01:33:57.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2. Authorities in Michoacán are addressing various phone-based extortion tactics targeting citizens and businesses. An analysis of 1,000 reports via the anonymous 089 hotline revealed that many extortion calls originate from area codes in other states, such as Mexico City, Jalisco, and Nuevo León, a tactic used by perpetrators to deceive victims. Following this, the Michoacán Secretariat of Public Security (SSP) issued an alert regarding a specific virtual kidnapping scheme. In this method, criminals abandon mobile phones in public areas to be found by citizens. When the finder is contacted by someone claiming to be the owner, the criminals use the encounter to manipulate victims into revealing personal information. This data is then used to simulate kidnappings and demand money from family members. In response to these threats, officials have launched the “Cuelga, Verifica y Marca 089” campaign, advising residents to hang up immediately, verify identities, and report incidents through the 089 hotline or the 9-1-1 Michoacán mobile app. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-09: Michoacán authorities warn of virtual kidnapping scheme Michoacán authorities have warned of a new extortion scheme where criminals abandon mobile phones to lure citizens into meetings used to gather personal data for virtual kidnapping scams. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/michoacn-authorities-issue-road-safety-recommendations ### 2026-08-05: Michoacán Extortion Calls Linked to Specific Area Codes Michoacán officials say most extortion calls come from area codes 55, 33, 81, 222 and 442, urging people to hang up, verify and report to the 089 hotline. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/michoacn-extortion-calls-linked-to-specific-area-codes --- Cite as: Extortion and kidnapping schemes in Michoacán. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/extortion-and-kidnapping-schemes-in-michoacn