Ciudad Juarez, August 25 – The State Commission of Housing, Land and Infrastructure (Coesvi) has issued a public warning in Ciudad Juarez following the detection of at least 14 cases of identity theft fraud. These fraudulent activities are being carried out through phone calls, mobile applications, and various digital platforms, targeting the city’s residents.
Scammers Impersonate Public Officials
Óscar Lozoya, regional director of Coesvi, explained that the perpetrators are posing as employees of public institutions such as the Public Property Registry, Coesvi itself, or the State Attorney General’s Office. Under these false pretenses, they are demanding money for alleged fines or debts, or offering to facilitate access to social programs.
The State Attorney General’s Office has reported a significant increase in complaints related to cybercrimes. These include the unauthorized contracting of loans and the improper use of personal data. This surge in fraudulent activity prompted Coesvi to issue the alert, aiming to prevent further victimization of the public.
New Modalities of Fraud Detected
Another method of fraud identified involves the use of personal accounts, emails, and WhatsApp to process loans in the names of unsuspecting victims. Individuals often discover the fraud when they begin to receive collection notices for loans they never requested or authorized.
Coesvi has explicitly stated that it does not work with intermediaries and never requests deposits or transfers for access to housing improvement material credits, titling procedures, or the allocation and sale of lots and homes. Any such request should be considered suspicious and reported immediately.
Recommendations for Citizens
To protect themselves from these scams, Coesvi recommends that citizens verify all information directly at their official offices. Furthermore, the commission advises against sharing passwords, security codes, bank details, or any personal information through calls or messages from unknown sources.
For guidance and to report suspicious activities, Coesvi has provided the following contact information: telephone 629 3300, extension 55973, and WhatsApp (656) 818 0988.
Increased Cybercrime Reports
The rise in identity theft cases is part of a broader trend of increasing cybercrime in the region. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and to exercise caution when receiving unsolicited communications that request personal or financial information. The collaboration between public institutions and informed citizens is crucial in combating these evolving fraudulent schemes.
The warning from Coesvi underscores the importance of official channels for all public services and transactions, reinforcing the message that legitimate government agencies will not request sensitive information or payments through unofficial means.
This initiative by Coesvi is part of ongoing efforts to safeguard the financial well-being and personal data of Ciudad Juarez residents against increasingly sophisticated criminal tactics. The agency continues to monitor the situation and encourages anyone who suspects they have been targeted by such a scam to come forward and report it.
Source: radionet.com.mx
