Through a statement, the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) reported that in recent days, users from different areas of the country have reported the appearance of apocryphal notices placed in private homes, through social networks and citizen complaints.
These notices are part of a new type of extortion in which people posing as CFE workers and They deceive users through false notifications of fines and service interruptions.
Forms of fraud detected
One of the variants detected is that a uniformed person, with clothing similar to that of CFE personnel, goes directly to the home, arguing that he will carry out the meter change as part of a “special operation.” During the visit, he points out alleged irregularities or does not have a seal, trying to obtain cash to avoid a sanction or fine.
LEE: This is the modus operandi of false CFE workers who seek to scam
According to the testimonies recovered by the CFE, the modus operandi of apocryphal notices consists of leaving printed sheets at homes, mainly on Friday afternoons, notifying the user that they have 12 hours to pay between 5 thousand and 20 thousand pesos, under the argument that their meter lacks a seal, lock or presents some anomaly.
These documents include a false telephone number, which is requested to be contacted “to solve the problem.” In the call, the extortionists affirm that it is a serious offense or crime and that the fine is mandatory. Subsequently, after the supposed deadline expires, an individual who claims to be “CFE Area Head” — some have even created a fake profile on LinkedIn with said position — contacts the victim again, offering to reduce the fine and providing a personal bank account to make the deposit, thus consummating the scam.
So far, reports of these cases have been received in the State of Mexico, Mexico City and Baja California; but they could be replicated throughout the country.
Recommendations for citizens
Verify the identity of those who claim to be CFE employees:
Every CFE worker must carry an official credential with a current photograph, institutional logos and an official uniform.
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The user has the right to request said identification and even take a photograph as backup.
Do not make payments or give cash to any person who shows up at your home:
Payments to the CFE must only be made in authorized centers or through the institutional payment channels of the CFE.
Confirm the veracity of any notice or document:
Before allowing access to your home or making any payment, call 071, providing your service number, a photograph of the meter or the document received.
The 071 staff will be able to confirm if there is any legitimate order or management related to their service.
Immediately report any extortion attempts:
- Going to the nearest CFE offices to report the incident.
- If applicable, submitting a formal complaint to the competent authorities.
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