Overview
- The federal security ministry (SSPC) warned of increased online fraud tied to Feb. 14, citing impersonated sales sites, malicious links and fake promotions.
- Chihuahua’s Cyber Police described romance scams that build trust over weeks or months before soliciting money for alleged emergencies or travel, urging reports to municipal channels.
- The Citizens’ Council reported that roughly 66% of romance‑scam victims are women, mostly ages 41–50, with losses ranging from under 5,000 pesos to more than 800,000 pesos.
- Facebook accounts for about 70% of initial contacts, with additional cases starting on dating apps, then moving to WhatsApp where tactics include love bombing, crypto pitches and realistic media to gain trust.
- Authorities advise buying only on verified sites, avoiding public Wi‑Fi for purchases, enabling bank notifications, tightening privacy and disabling auto‑location, keeping software updated, verifying links and using multifactor authentication, with resources such as the SSPC Ciberguía and the 55 5533 5533 hotline.