The Rising Threat of Digital Scams in Mexico
In Mexico, an adult encounters a digital scam attempt every four days, amounting to a staggering 86 attempts annually. This alarming statistic emerges from the 2025 State of Scams in Mexico Report, published by the Global Alliance Against Scams (GASA). The report delves into the frequency, methods, and the economic and emotional ramifications of these fraudulent activities across the nation.
The findings stem from an international study involving over 46,000 participants across 42 markets. Specifically, the data for Mexico is based on responses from 1,000 adults aged 18 and above, gathered through a 15-minute online survey conducted between February 26 and March 14, 2025.
The survey revealed that 76% of respondents acknowledged having fallen victim to at least one scam in their lifetime, while 59% reported experiencing a scam within the past year. Among those who were defrauded during this period, the average number of scams experienced per individual stood at 1.8, despite 76% of participants expressing confidence in their ability to identify online deception. The report underscores that “online scams are not merely a consumer issue; they now pose a significant threat to digital trust, economic stability, and personal safety.”
Common Platforms for Scams
The report indicates that WhatsApp remains the primary platform for interactions between victims and scammers, with 78% of cases reported through this medium, followed by Facebook at 46%, Gmail and Telegram at 34% each, and Instagram at 20%.
Among those who encountered scammers, 55% experienced shopping scams, 48% were involved in investment scams, 47% faced unexpected deposit fraud, 41% reported identity theft, and 39% were subjected to blackmail or extortion. Notably, 30% of respondents fell victim to romance scams.
Furthermore, the report suggests that millennial men with higher education levels, who are parents of children aged between 7 and 17, and who generally have greater confidence in their ability to identify fraud, are among the most frequent victims.
Testimonies collected by GASA highlight various fraudulent tactics, ranging from false notifications about held packages to the theft of photographs and contacts to simulate kidnappings.
Financial and Emotional Consequences
The economic impact of these scams is significant. The survey revealed that 34% of Mexican adults reported losing money due to scams in the past year, with an average loss of 4,562.5 pesos per victim. This suggests that scammers collectively accrued close to 139 billion pesos through these illicit activities within just one year, illustrating the extensive financial implications of such crimes in Mexico.
Regarding recovery efforts, 67% of those who lost money reported the scam to their payment service, though only 17% managed to recover at least a portion of their funds. The report also draws attention to the psychological consequences of these crimes. “The impact of scams extends beyond financial losses: over four-fifths of victims stated they felt very or quite stressed at the time of the fraud, and nearly half indicated it had a significant or moderate impact on their mental well-being,” it notes.
Proposed Measures to Combat Scams
In light of this troubling landscape, GASA experts propose a series of initiatives categorised into four main areas:
1. Empowering consumers through ongoing national awareness campaigns, national helplines for victims, and comprehensive systems offering financial, legal, and psychological assistance.
2. Creating a safer internet by collaborating with telecommunications and technology firms to block scams before they reach users, enhancing traceability for cross-border fraud, and demanding greater transparency from sellers, platforms, and payment providers.
3. Strengthening cooperation by establishing an international network of national scam centres, developing a global real-time data exchange system, holding service providers accountable for fraud committed via their platforms, and enabling them to warn, block, and eliminate fraudulent activities.
4. Pursuing organised fraud by creating a global network for investigation and prosecution aimed at targeting fraud groups operating across different jurisdictions.
Reporting Digital Scams in Mexico
To report a scam or digital extortion in Mexico, it is advisable to approach the authorities directly rather than limit oneself to sharing the case on social media. In Mexico City, individuals can contact the Cyber Police via phone, email, or in person. Reports can also be filed with the Attorney General’s Office of Mexico City through its Cyber Intelligence Unit. For residents in other parts of the country, contacting the National Guard at 089 is recommended, as they will direct the case to the appropriate authorities. Additionally, the Citizen Council for Security and Justice provides legal guidance and psychological support through a 24-hour hotline and WhatsApp service.