Reports of digital extortion in Nayarit have quadrupled due to instant loan apps that use artificial intelligence to fabricate sensitive content and coerce victims.
Nayarit has seen a significant increase in fraud committed through mobile applications offering supposed quick loans, reported Antonio Talamantes, a member of the state’s cyber police.
The official explained that, driven by the need for immediate cash, many people download these types of apps without verifying their authenticity, leading to a considerable rise in extortion cases. Currently, they receive up to eight reports daily, compared to an average of two previously.
“People are being extorted by these apps. These types of incidents have increased dramatically; we went from two daily reports to nearly eight. We are working on a strategy to counteract this situation,” he stated.
Talamantes warned that the risk begins the moment the application is downloaded, as users often grant access to sensitive information, such as contacts and photo gallery, without paying attention.
“Just like with other apps, the same thing happens here. From the moment you install it, even if you don’t apply for the loan, they already have access to your information. If you later simulate or apply for the loan, the extortion can begin within hours,” he explained.
One of the most worrying aspects is that criminals use artificial intelligence tools to manipulate personal images and generate fake, intimate content, which they use to threaten victims.
“They use your photos to create fake images with sexual content and threaten to distribute them on social media. Unfortunately, this has already happened, and in some cases, they have been published, so we must act urgently to get them removed,” he stated.
Finally, the cyber police officer urged citizens to use mobile applications responsibly, verify their authenticity before downloading them, and avoid granting unnecessary permissions.
Source: heraldodemexico
