The short version
- DACO activated its Unidad de Detección de Esquemas Fraudulentos against consumer fraud schemes on WhatsApp and Telegram according to Metro Puerto Rico
- The agency recommends verifying the origin of messages before opening links or sharing personal or financial data Telemundo Puerto Rico reported
- Consumers who are victims are asked to report via the official Facebook page DACO a tu favor or the agency portal Metro Puerto Rico said
- Interim Secretary Erwin Álvarez Rodríguez called on the public to carefully evaluate every message received via the apps both outlets reported
Agency issues preventive alert
On Tuesday, the Departamento de Asuntos del Consumidor (DACO) warned the public about possible fraudulent schemes circulating through WhatsApp and Telegram. Metro Puerto Rico reported that interim secretary Erwin Álvarez Rodríguez activated the agency's Unidad de Detección de Esquemas Fraudulentos contra el Consumidor to address the issue.
DACO exhorted citizens to evaluate carefully each message received through these messaging applications before responding, accessing links or sharing personal or financial information. The agency issued the alert through its social media channels, according to both Metro Puerto Rico and Telemundo Puerto Rico.
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What the sources posted
Posts and statements below are the sources' own words, quoted as published. They are not independently verified.
activó al personal técnico de la Unidad de Detección de Esquemas Fraudulentos contra el Consumidor
Our translation: activated the technical personnel of the Consumer Fraud Scheme Detection Unit
The source's own statement, as quoted by Metro Puerto Rico. Not verified by PuertoRico.com.
Reporting instructions for victims
The department indicated that people who have been victims of these or similar schemes should contact it through its official Facebook page "DACO a tu favor" or visit its portal for guidance and assistance channels. Telemundo Puerto Rico reported that the agency made this information available on its social networks.
Both outlets noted that the alert forms part of preventive measures by the consumer protection agency amid rising complaints about messaging-app fraud.
Where the sources differ
Both Metro Puerto Rico and Telemundo Puerto Rico agree that DACO issued an alert about fraud via WhatsApp and Telegram, activated its fraud detection unit, and urged careful evaluation of messages. Metro Puerto Rico provides the name of interim secretary Erwin Álvarez Rodríguez and more detailed prevention recommendations, while Telemundo Puerto Rico focuses on the social media alert and reporting instructions. The sources do not conflict on any facts.
What the reports do not say
The reports do not specify what the fraudulent schemes consist of, how many complaints have been received, whether any arrests have been made, or what technical measures the unit has taken. They also do not indicate when the schemes began appearing or whether other agencies are involved in the response.
Sources
Every link below was opened and checked when this story was published. Official means a government body, agency or the organization itself; Reporting means a news outlet.
- Official DACO alerta sobre posibles fraudes por WhatsApp
- Reporting DACO alerta sobre posibles fraudes por WhatsApp
- Reporting DACO alerta sobre esquemas fraudulentos por WhatsApp y Telegram
How we checked this
Metro Puerto Rico and Telemundo Puerto Rico both covered the DACO consumer fraud alert issued on Tuesday. Details about the interim secretary's actions and specific recommendations rest on the Metro Puerto Rico account, while the call to report via Facebook appears in both.
Compiled by the PuertoRico.com News Desk from the reports and statements listed above, and checked against them before publishing. It does not include original interviews. Spot an error? Email support@puertorico.com with a link to this story.
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