Given a recent increase in phone extortions, the South
Regional Delegation of the Attorney General of the State of Jalisco (Delegación
Regional Sur de la Procuraduría General de Justicia del Estado de Jalisco) has
put out a new warning to the public for communities to the south and west of
Chapala.
The north shore of Lake Chapala |
Active areas, according to authorities, are Ciudad Guzmán,
Sayula,
Zacoalco de Torres,
Zapotiltic (directly outside of Ciudad Guzmán), Tapalpa (south west of Chapala),
among others in southern Jalisco.
The ruse involves cold calls to people telling them that
family members have been kidnapped, and then an attempt to extort money for
their “release”. It is an old trick, but carries weight in Mexico, which has
the highest kidnapping rate in the world.
Authorities advise that the easiest way to avoid the problem
is simply not to answer calls from unknown numbers. If a call is received, remain
calm, hang up, and report the matter to the authorities. Showing any sign that
you are being swayed by the trick could only lead to more harassment.
Specific recommendations offered by the authorities are:
• Do not give out personal information over the phone to
anyone, even if you think you recognize the voice.
• Beware that some tricksters claim you have won an “award”,
but that it requires that you buy them phone cards. Note that Interior Ministry
(Secretaría de Gobernación) does not involve itself in sweepstakes or gambling.
• Do not leave your name or surname on voicemail, and do not
answer with your name.
• Make sure you know the school/work addresses and phone
numbers of your family.
• Request that your family not to turn off their phones.
• Ask members of your family for the numbers of their
friends, and where they are located.
• And whatever you do: do not pay or deposit any funds into
accounts held by the criminals!
For any emergency or concerns contact the Delegation of the
Attorney General of the State of Jalisco and / or Municipal Public Security
Bureau by dialing (341) 41 278 30 (341) 41 364 57.
(TE Wilson is the author of Mezcalero, a Detective Sánchez novel.)
Twitter: @TimothyEWilson
(TE Wilson is the author of Mezcalero, a Detective Sánchez novel.)
Twitter: @TimothyEWilson
Email: lapoliticaeslapolitica [at] gmail [dot] com
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