MÉRIDA.- Through social networks An attempt at extortion and the so-called “virtual kidnapping” were reported in the state capital.
The Ministry of Public Security (SSP) issued this statement regarding the attempt to extortion under the modality known as “virtual kidnapping”, in which a person was contacted by a supposed client to attend an appointment in a rural area.
During a video call the person was intimidated with threats without the alleged perpetrators showing their faces.
Thanks to the victim’s quick reaction, no physical or economic damage was recorded.
What does extortion consist of in the form of “virtual kidnapping”?
Virtual kidnapping is a form of telephone extortion or online in which criminals trick the victim into believing they are being watched or in danger.
To do this, they use calls, messages or video calls with threats and psychological manipulation.
Your goal is isolate the person by making them believe they are kidnapped to make payments or transferswithout there being physical contact or real deprivation of freedom.
Recommendations for citizens
- Do not go to appointments or remote places when the request comes from strangers.
- Do not provide personal, family or financial information over the phone or social networks.
- Be wary of calls or messages that use intimidation or alleged membership in criminal groups.
- Hang up immediately if there is any threat and call 9-1-1 or 089 anonymous report.
- Avoid publishing locations, activities or work information on social networks that could be used by extortionists.
Thanks to the work of the Anti-Extortion Unit of the C5i of the Ministry of Public Security, cases like this have been prevented and addressed in a timely manner, reinforcing the security and trust of citizens.
Alert for a fake page for a concert in Mérida
In recent days, the SSP warned about a fraudulent website what promotes an alleged concert in Méridawhose domain lacks security measures and does not correspond to the official dates of the aforementioned artist.
Municipal authorities confirmed that There is no permit or registration in force to carry out said event.
Given this situation, the SSP issued recommendations such as those presented on these lines, and asked citizens to remain alert to possible fraud and report cases they detect.