Holbox, Q.R. — An island business owner was assisted Friday in an online extortion attempt by a caller from a criminal group. Police in Holbox were successful in stopping the business extortion attempt after the man was lured by questions for an event.
According to the SSC (Secretaría de Seguridad Ciudadana), the business owner, who runs an ice cream and popsicle shop, called police after he started receiving calls from a man demanding protection money.
The calls started after the business owner was contacted about participating in an event. During the initial call, the business owner was asked personal details. After that initial call, he began receiving the extortion calls.
“Police from the Centurion Group foiled an extortion attempt on Holbox Island,” they said Friday.
“Responding to a call for assistance, the Centurion Group provided support to a local ice cream and popsicle business owner who received a call requesting a quote for a supposed event.
“The caller asked for various personal details.
“Subsequently, he began receiving calls demanding 15,000 pesos as “protection money,” with the callers identifying themselves as members of a criminal organization.
“Thanks to the timely intervention of the police officers, financial loss was prevented, and the victim was given preventative advice.
“ In these situations, don’t hesitate: hang up immediately and report it to the emergency number 911 or anonymously to 089.”
