Fraud in online buying and selling has become the main incident handled by Mexico City's Cyber Police. According to the city's Public Security Secretariat (SSC), the unit received 31,825 reports between January and 31 October 2026, as reported by Publimetro México and ADN Sureste. The most common tactics are listings for products that do not exist, misleading ads and fake offers on digital platforms and social media.
The top five. The SSC's balance lists five main types of cyber incident. After online shopping fraud come bank data theft, with 1,361 reports, and phishing, with 1,197. Impersonation of shops and brands accounted for 24 reports, and bank card cloning for three. Together, the five categories add up to 34,410 reports.
A dominant share. According to Publimetro's calculation, online shopping fraud represents roughly 92.5% of the reports in these five categories, which shows how heavily it weighs among the incidents the authorities handle.
How it works. The SSC says criminals post non-existent items or deceptive promotions to persuade buyers to make deposits or transfers, then never deliver the goods or services. Shop and brand impersonation uses websites, social media profiles and ads that copy well-known businesses, and the Cyber Police warns it can also be used to harvest personal and financial data.
Data theft and phishing. Bank data theft involves illicitly obtaining card numbers, passwords and security codes through websites, apps or other fraudulent mechanisms. Phishing relies on emails, text messages or links that pose as banks, shops or recognised institutions so that people hand over confidential information voluntarily.
Why it matters
Scale over sophistication. The figures suggest that the biggest risk for ordinary users is not card cloning but simple deception: a cheap offer, a sense of urgency and a payment that never comes back. The Cyber Police specifically urged extra caution when sellers offer excessively low prices or push for quick payment.
- Buy only from official sites and profiles, and check the web address and the seller's identity.
- Be wary of prices that are too low, offers that are too good or pressure to pay quickly.
- Do not open links received by message, email or social media, and never share passwords or verification codes.
- Use secure payment methods, turn on extra authentication on bank accounts and check your transactions regularly.
- Confirm any message about payments, deliveries or account problems directly with the official business or institution.
Where to report. According to ADN Sureste, the Cyber Police unit offers help 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on 55 5242 5100, extension 5086, and by email at policia.cibernetica@ssc.cdmx.gob.mx. The SSC reminded the public that an attractive promotion does not guarantee a safe transaction.
Sources: El Universal, Publimetro México, ADN Sureste
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