A safe and scam-free Holiday bonus

Given the increased cash flow during the holiday season the Secretary of Security and Peace warns about pyramid schemes and financial fraud, urging people to avoid being victims

Guanajuato/Gto News

To protect the assets of Guanajuato residents during the holiday season, the Secretary of Security and Peace issued a series of recommendations for the safe handling of Christmas bonuses and to avoid falling victim to scams or fraud. 

Once you are notified that you have received your Christmas bonus and decide to withdraw it through an ATM, the state agency urges the public to take extreme precautions.

The main recommendations include the following preventative measures: 

• When going to an ATM, try to go with someone you trust
• Don’t accept help from strangers
• It is important to check the appearance of the ATM to detect any possible tampering
• Avoid using them at night or in poor lighting 
• Always stay alert
• Don’t let strangers near you
• Cover the ATM keypad when entering your PIN
• When leaving the ATM, don’t count your money in public
• Choose familiar routes with more vehicular and pedestrian traffic
• Given the increase in cash flow, the Secretary of Security and Peace also warns about pyramid schemes and financial fraud and avoid falling victim to them

These scams and frauds are presented as profitable, safe, and fast investment “opportunities.” Scammers use websites, social media, or direct messages to convince you to send or invest in cryptocurrencies, gaining your trust and promising unrealistic returns.

How can you identify if it is a scam of fraud?

• The companies are not registered with Regulatory Bodies, they ask you to invest without you understanding the product
• They promise guaranteed profits or show you some fake, manipulated profits reports on a platform, they avoid video calls or sharing verifiable data, and they only accept payment in cryptocurrencies or via transfer to unknown accounts

• To avoid falling into these practices, it is necessary to investigate the company with your country’s business regulator, look for real reviews, and be wary of positive testimonials
• Do not invest due to pressure or private messages from strangers; do not share personal or banking information
• If you were a victim, contact your bank immediately and block transfers. Save all evidence, such as screenshots of chats, emails, and receipts
• Report the website and do not share any personal information

Remember that the Secretary of Security and Peace, through the Cyber ​​Police, has several lines to assist you:

• Emergency number 911
• Anonymous line 089
• Call 01 800 TECUIDO (800 83 28 436)
• Report to the official mailbox for cyber complaints: 
• policiaciberneticafspe@guanajuato.gob.mx

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