You have a new job offer

It is likely that, like me, in recent weeks you have received a message on your mobile phone notifying you of an attractive job offer: the opportunity to work from home, in a well-known e-commerce company and, in addition, with a suggestive daily salary.

Even if we’re not looking for a job and don’t even remember providing our information to apply for a job, we might be tempted to follow the link that accompanies the post to find out what the generous offer is about or why it’s so important. offered. we get, but be careful! We may encounter a phishing attempt.

And if you, dear reader, have not heard of phishing, then let me tell you that this is the kind of scam that aims to obtain personal data over the Internet. In this case, the link that accompanies this type of message may lead us to suspicious websites or redirect us to a chat window in the WhatsApp app, which means they will try to get our information and use it to commit scams or other types of fraud. crimes. .

It is a fact that the use of information technology or ICT is increasing in Mexican society. According to INEGI ENDUTIH, by 2020, 91.8% of cell phone users had smartphones, and 72% of the population were Internet users. And as the use of technology grows, unfortunately, so does cybercrime. So, you can imagine, dear reader, that receiving one of these messages is not the only risk we are exposed to.

Another strategy illustrating this problem is the so-called “montadeudas”, a method of extortion that has gained momentum in recent weeks, in which express loans are promised in exchange for an initial payment and access to photos and mobile phone contacts of the applicant, through which extortion in case of non-payment of the loan – not to mention the fact that interest may become unpaid.

There were 5,452 reports under this “mountain debt” scheme this year, up 454% from the previous year, according to Mexico City’s Citizens’ Council for Security and Justice. As we can see, various types of online crimes or scams are commonplace and while we as citizens need to inform ourselves and be vigilant not to fall for these possible scams, it is also true that efforts and results in addressing this problems with the authorities are urgent: both legislators and administrative and jurisdictional operators.

Well, given this staggering rise in cybercrime, it is necessary to promote advanced legislation on the subject that prosecutes and punishes behavior that is sometimes difficult to prosecute due to the anonymity of the person who commits it. Attention to this problem is also aimed at simplifying the channels for filing complaints, as well as strengthening the cybernetic police and the bodies that administer justice.

In a world of hectic technological progress, legislation, public policy and justice cannot be ignored, so it is important to solve the problem in a timely manner and not let it get out of control. In doing so, let’s do what suits us.

Laura Lisette Enriquez Rodriguez. Citizen Commissioner INFOCDMX.
@lauraenriquezr @InfoCdMex