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[SITUATION] · [QUIET] · [TECHNOLOGY]

5 clusters · 38 sources · 48 days · First seen 2 months ago · Last updated 24 days ago

Regional increase in digital fraud and phishing scams

Overview

Authorities in Argentina, Mexico, Spain, Chile, Uruguay, and El Salvador continue to issue warnings regarding various forms of digital fraud and phishing scams.

In Argentina, WhatsApp remains a primary target for scammers who impersonate financial institutions to request sensitive data. Criminals often create a false sense of urgency through messages regarding account blocks, urgent payments, or pending debts to provoke impulsive actions. A 2022 report by the Asociación Argentina de Usuarios de Internet noted that more than 40% of users had fallen victim to some form of online scam.

In Chile, there has been a significant rise in SIM swapping fraud, with approximately 700 complaints filed with the Subsecretaría de Telecomunicaciones (Subtel) in 2026. This method involves criminals requesting a duplicate SIM card to take control of a victim's phone number, allowing them to reset banking passwords and access financial accounts. Authorities are currently evaluating stricter identity certification measures to combat this trend.

In El Salvador, experts warn that identity theft and the use of stolen personal information can lead to victims being investigated for unauthorized illicit transactions. Legal specialists note that identity theft can carry prison sentences of four to six years.

In Mexico, seasonal trends during the back-to-school period have seen criminals use fake online stores to solicit advance payments. Banamex has also launched a prevention campaign against fraudulent links sent via SMS, WhatsApp, and email. In Uruguay, the Social Security Bank (BPS) continues to alert the public to fraudulent emails and QR codes regarding Fonasa refunds. In Spain, the National Cybersecurity Institute (Incibe) has previously reported a rise in fraudulent scholarship websites and deceptive subscription services.

Entities

Universidad de los Andes · Banco de Previsión Social · Asociación Argentina de Usuarios de Internet · Policía de Investigaciones de Chile · Policía Cibernética

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] Digital scams use social media, text messages, calls, and messaging apps to gain victim trust.
[● 3 SOURCES] Scammers use messages that create a sense of urgency or pressure to provoke impulsive reactions.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Banamex has launched a prevention campaign to protect customers from digital fraud involving false links and applications.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Fraudsters use SMS, WhatsApp, email, or social media to trick users into installing malicious apps to steal personal and financial data.
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Chilean Investigative Police (PDI) issued an alert regarding a WhatsApp scam promising a fake 100,000 peso 'Bono Mujer' supposedly from the government.
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Uruguayan Social Security Bank (BPS) warned of fraudulent emails and QR codes claiming to offer Fonasa refunds.
[○ 1 SOURCE] WhatsApp reached over 25 million users in Argentina in 2021.
[○ 1 SOURCE] More than 40% of users had been victims of some type of online scam in 2022.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Activating two-step authentication on WhatsApp provides an extra layer of security.

Timeline

24 days ago

[CRIME] 2 sources
Identity theft and SIM swapping scams rise in Latin America
Cybercriminals are utilizing identity theft and SIM swapping to hijack phone lines and access bank accounts, prompting calls for stricter identity verification in Chile and legal warnings in El Salvador.
about 1 month ago

[TECHNOLOGY] 8 sources
Digital scams and WhatsApp fraud rise in South America
Digital scams and WhatsApp-based fraud are rising in South America, with reports indicating high victimization rates in Argentina due to phishing and urgent-message tactics.
about 2 months ago

[TECHNOLOGY] 10 sources
Latin American institutions issue alerts against rising digital fraud
Institutions in Mexico, Chile, and Uruguay have issued alerts regarding rising digital fraud, including fake government bonuses on WhatsApp and phishing emails targeting bank and social security data.
about 2 months ago

[TECHNOLOGY] 19 sources
Digital security and fraud warnings rise across Latin American regions
Authorities and experts across Latin America are issuing warnings regarding digital fraud, back-to-school scams, and the importance of cybersecurity for seniors, children, and digital wallet users.
2 months ago

[CRIME] 2 sources
ARCA warns of phishing scam targeting taxpayers in Argentina
Argentina's ARCA has warned of a phishing scam using fake customs notifications to steal money and DNI photos for identity theft and unauthorized financial activities.

Sources

889noticias.mx · actualidadiphone.com · agendainformativa.com.mx · amnoticias.cl · androidayuda.com · blog.segurostv.es · canal44.com · catalunyapress.cat · diariodelcauca.com.co · diariodelsur.com.co · diariodemorelos.com · diariopanorama.com · diariosalta.com · economiafinanzas.com · elcorreoweb.es · elnacional.com.py · eltelegrafo.com · events-equestrian.com · extra.com.co · gaceta.uabc.mx · hoytamaulipas.net · itsitio.com · labandadiario.com.ar · lanocion.es · lapatria.bo · laprensaaustral.cl · laredlarioja.com.ar · laverdadnoticias.com · niubie.com · noticiasdeNavarra.com · piercingjewelry.com · primicia.com.ve · radiolarioja.com.ar · sorianoticias.com · tallapolitica.com.mx · tcsahora.com · todoandroid.es · xatakamovil.com

This summary has been updated 4 times: see revision history