How do scammers operate?
The trap begins when the victim spreads on social networks data from her stolen vehicle – such as plates, color, model, robbery location and even her telephone number – hoping to recover it. This data becomes the perfect hook for scammers.
Although they did not participate in the theft, these cybercriminals collect that public information and, with the help of AI and social engineering techniques, they send messages, emails or make calls by posing as authorities, cranes, insurers or even “solidarity citizens”. The hook: they claim to have found the car and ask for a reward or the payment of supposed transfer or paperwork expenses.
But everything is false. The car is still missing, and criminals only seek to take advantage of the emotional state of the victims to obtain money.
Recommendations to protect yourself
To avoid falling into this type of deception, the SSC issued a series of useful tips:
Do not publish too much information on networks. If you decide to spread the search for your vehicle, avoid including personal data such as telephone number, address or routines.
Adjust the privacy of your accounts. Configure your profiles so that only your contacts can see publications or send you messages.
Always verify by official channels. If someone claims to have located your car, consult with your insurer or with the police.
Do not make unconfirmed payments. Distrust of any money request for alleged transfers, fines or paperwork.
It retains all evidence. Save screenshots, account numbers or suspicious messages. This can help in a complaint.
He goes to the authorities first. He files a complaint with the Public Ministry and do not get carried away by promises of strangers.
Stay in contact with your insurer. Ask for guidance on the steps to follow after a robbery.
Where to ask for help?
If you were a victim or detected a fraud attempt, you can contact the SSC cyber police:
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 55 5242 5100 ext. 5086 (Attention 24/7)
Official Social Networks: @SSC_CDMX and @UCS_GCDMX
The main recommendation is clear: take care of the information you share in networks, especially in times of vulnerability. In the era of artificial intelligence, scammers do not rest, but the authorities do not do it either.
