# Financial and cyber fraud in El Salvador

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/financial-and-cyber-fraud-in-el-salvador
> Updated: 2026-08-20T17:13:22.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Authorities in El Salvador have addressed various forms of financial and digital fraud. Initially, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and the Vice Ministry of Transport issued warnings regarding phishing scams. In these schemes, cybercriminals impersonate police and transit authorities via SMS and WhatsApp to notify citizens of alleged outstanding traffic fines, using fraudulent links to steal personal information and banking credentials.

Subsequent legal actions have been taken by the Fiscalía General de la República against individuals involved in computer fraud. One specific case involves the theft of $108,000 from a 73-year-old victim who was targeted by fraudulent online advertisements for stock market investments. The investigation alleges that the victim was instructed to download mobile applications that allowed perpetrators to breach the phone and transfer funds.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-20: Fraud investigations proceed in El Salvador and Paraguay

Legal proceedings are underway in El Salvador and Paraguay regarding separate fraud cases involving a $108,000 cyber scam and a promissory note scheme targeting a retired nurse.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fraud-investigations-proceed-in-el-salvador-and-paraguay

### 2026-08-16: El Salvador authorities warn of traffic fine phishing scams

Salvadoran authorities have warned of a phishing scam where criminals impersonate police to send fake traffic fine notices via SMS and WhatsApp to steal banking and personal data.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/el-salvador-authorities-warn-of-traffic-fine-phishing-scams

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Cite as: Financial and cyber fraud in El Salvador. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/financial-and-cyber-fraud-in-el-salvador