# Regional increase in digital fraud and phishing scams

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/regional-increase-in-digital-fraud-and-phishing-scams
> Updated: 2026-09-07T03:06:00.000Z. Sources: 28. Developments: 3.

Authorities in Argentina, Mexico, Spain, Chile, and Uruguay have issued warnings regarding various forms of digital fraud and phishing scams.

In Argentina, the Agencia de Recaudación y Control Aduanero (ARCA) alerted taxpayers to phishing schemes mimicking official emails regarding customs-held packages. Additionally, ANSES has warned retirees about fraudulent loan offers via WhatsApp. In Salta, local authorities have implemented training to help residents secure virtual wallets and QR code payments.

In Mexico, seasonal trends during the back-to-school period have seen criminals use fake online stores to solicit advance payments for supplies. Banamex has also launched a prevention campaign to alert customers against fraudulent links and applications sent via SMS, WhatsApp, and email designed to steal financial data.

In Chile, the Investigative Police (PDI) warned of a massive WhatsApp scam involving a fake ‘Bono Mujer’ of 100,000 pesos used to steal banking credentials. The PDI has also conducted workshops in the Maule region to help seniors identify economic fraud via suspicious calls and messages.

In Uruguay, the Social Security Bank (BPS) alerted the public to fraudulent emails and QR codes regarding Fonasa refunds, emphasizing that the agency never requests payments or sensitive data through unofficial channels.

In Spain, the National Cybersecurity Institute (Incibe) previously reported a rise in fraudulent scholarship websites and deceptive subscription services targeting families.

## Claims

- Banamex has launched a prevention campaign to protect customers from digital fraud involving false links and applications. (single source)
- Fraudsters use SMS, WhatsApp, email, or social media to trick users into installing malicious apps to steal personal and financial data. (single 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. (single source)
- The Uruguayan Social Security Bank (BPS) warned of fraudulent emails and QR codes claiming to offer Fonasa refunds. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-07: 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.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/latin-american-institutions-issue-alerts-against-rising-digital-fraud

### 2026-08-30: 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.

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/estado-de-mxico-authorities-warn-of-school-supply-fraud

### 2026-08-16: 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.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/arca-warns-of-phishing-scam-targeting-taxpayers-in-argentina

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Cite as: Regional increase in digital fraud and phishing scams. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/regional-increase-in-digital-fraud-and-phishing-scams