Uruguay warns of deepfake scams and fake police

Uruguay’s Computer Crimes Department, part of the General Directorate of Cybercrime, is investigating a scam in Maldonado and Montevideo in which people posing as members of the Ministry of the Interior’s Financial Crimes Department used identity theft to deceive victims. They told them that unknown parties had taken out loans using their information, then pressured them to request credit, transfer money to e-money accounts, and withdraw funds from their bank accounts.

What is known about the fraud under investigation?

The scheme combined phone calls or in-person contact with an urgent story and a request for specific actions involving the victims’ money. According to FM Gente, the case is being investigated by the Computer Crimes Department of the General Directorate of Cybercrime. Teledoce reported that three people were defrauded by fake Interior Ministry officials, with losses reported at USD 200,000 and more than 3 million pesos.

Telenoche added that two 83-year-old women living in Maldonado were deceived by people posing as police officers and prosecutors. According to that outlet, they handed over cash and jewelry, and the initial information also says they were asked to take out loans. FM Gente, for its part, said the victims were convinced to request loans, make transfers to e-money accounts, and withdraw cash from their bank accounts.

How does the official warning about deepfakes fit in?

Uruguay’s Interior Ministry issued its warning a few days before these cases became public, and it said deepfakes can be used for financial fraud and identity theft. The official communication said the country had joined an international Interpol campaign on this type of manipulated content.

In that same campaign, Interpol described unsolicited contact, pressure to act quickly, and requests for personal data, banking information, or money as signs of a possible scam. The organization recommended contacting authorities and the bank immediately if a payment has already been made. It also said the campaign promotes setting up a family password, protecting accounts with authentication, and training company staff to spot deepfakes, vishing, and social engineering.