OCIF alerts on fraudulent calls using its official phone number
The financial regulator warned residents not to share personal or banking information with callers claiming to represent the agency.
File photoThe short version
- El Vocero reported that the OCIF warned of possible fraudulent calls and messages using its number (787) 723-3131
- Primera Hora reported that Commissioner Mónica Rodríguez Villa said the agency does not call citizens to report that bank accounts have been compromised
- Both outlets stated the OCIF advised people not to share confidential information, click suspicious links or make payments to alleged representatives
- The agency urged anyone receiving a suspicious communication to hang up and contact their financial institution through official channels
Fraud warning issued
The Oficina del Comisionado de Instituciones Financieras (OCIF) has warned the public about possible fraudulent calls and text messages that improperly use the agency's official telephone number, El Vocero reported. The number is (787) 723-3131. The regulator stated it does not contact citizens to inform them that their bank accounts have been compromised.
According to Primera Hora, OCIF Commissioner Mónica Rodríguez Villa exhorted the public to stay alert to calls, text messages or other contacts that appear to come from the agency and request personal or financial data. The commissioner clarified that the office does not call citizens to report that bank accounts have been compromised.
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Recommendations to the public
The OCIF recommended that people not share confidential information, access suspicious links or carry out payments or transfers to individuals claiming to represent the agency, El Vocero reported. In the event of a suspicious communication, the agency advised ending the call and contacting the relevant financial institution directly through its official channels to verify any account-related matter.
Primera Hora noted that the OCIF also urged the public to report any fraud attempts to the corresponding authorities. Rodríguez Villa reiterated that the protection of citizens and the integrity of Puerto Rico's financial system are priorities for the office.
Where the sources differ
El Vocero and Primera Hora agree that the OCIF issued a fraud alert regarding misuse of its official phone number (787) 723-3131 and that the agency does not call to report compromised bank accounts. Both sources list similar recommendations including not sharing information and reporting suspicious contacts. Primera Hora names Commissioner Mónica Rodríguez Villa as the source of the statements and specifies the alert was issued on Wednesday, while El Vocero does not name the commissioner or give a day of the week for the alert. The two Primera Hora links contain identical text.
What the reports do not say
The reports do not indicate when the fraudulent calls or messages began, how many people have been contacted or whether any losses have been reported. They also do not say whether the OCIF has taken technical steps to stop the spoofing of its number or whether law enforcement has opened an investigation.
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 OCIF alerta sobre posibles llamadas fraudulentas que utilizan su número telefónico
- Reporting OCIF alerta sobre posibles llamadas fraudulentas que utilizan su número telefónico
- Reporting Alertan sobre llamadas fraudulentas para intentar robar datos bancarios
How we checked this
El Vocero and Primera Hora both reported the OCIF's fraud warning and its recommendations to the public. The identity of the commissioner and the Wednesday timing rest solely on the Primera Hora article.
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.