23 May 2017 | 08:08 AM UTC
Mexico: Telephone scam warning
New type of telephone scam reported; do not answer calls appearing to originate from own phone number
Event
The Federal Police are warning of new types of telephone scams, identifiable by the fact that calls appear to originate from the target’s own phone number. The police are advising people to abstain from answer these calls and to alert the authorities by calling or texting 088 or via the PF Móvil crime reporting app.
Context
The rate of "virtual" kidnappings and other phone extortion schemes has been on the rise in Mexico. The modus operandi for virtual kidnappings often consists of the perpetrator telephoning victims to falsely inform them that a friend or family member has been kidnapped and to demand a ransom for his/her release. Some 20,000 such calls are believed to be made each year, often by gang members or individuals posing as gang or cartel members.
Advice
Individuals in Mexico are advised to remain vigilant and to follow the advice given by the Federal Police. To minimize the risk of extortion and kidnappings, it is advisable to vary routines (avoid predictability) and to refrain from sharing personal information (e.g., be discreet regarding the information you share on social media).
