In crisis situations or natural disasters, social vulnerability is not only evident on the streets, but also in the digital environment. The initial disorganization and the massive flow of unverified information create the ideal scenario for cybercriminals to deploy social engineering tactics aimed at emotionally manipulating people and compromising their financial assets or personal data.

José Luis Rangel, Commercial Manager of ESET Venezuela, explains the tactics used by attackers during times of high stress: “In times of crisis, natural disasters, or pandemics, cybercriminals use social engineering strategies, which involve the psychological manipulation of individuals and corporations to deceive them and obtain sensitive information.”

Main types of fraud detected during emergencies

• Fake donation and fundraising pages: Creation of fraudulent websites and unofficial victim registrations that request immediate transfers, taking advantage of the public’s willingness to help.
• Hijacking of messaging accounts (WhatsApp): Compromising personal profiles to send mass messages to contact networks requesting financial assistance or selling currency under a false identity.
• Manipulation with Artificial Intelligence: Generation of fake multimedia content—deceptive news stories, altered audio or video—to simulate rescue situations or fictitious family emergencies.
• Risks on open Wi-Fi networks: Exploitation of community or open, password-free connections to intercept data traffic and confidential information from connected users.
• Deceptive offers of supplies or services: Requests for advance payments or down payments for heavy machinery rental or logistical support services that are never actually provided.

Pay close attention, guidelines: Recommended prevention measures

To avoid falling victim to these threats during critical times, it is essential to apply active verification principles and exercise caution before sharing data or carrying out any type of transaction:

• Verify web addresses (URLs): Carefully check the address bar of any website before clicking or entering credentials.
• Validate the recipients of donations: Be wary if a supposed NGO or aid organization requests transfers via mobile payment or other means directed to individuals instead of institutional accounts.
• Protect confidential data: No aid organization, bank, or official platform will request debit or credit card security codes, passwords, or validation tokens.
• Be wary of emotional urgency: Maintain a critical perspective when viewing chain messages or links that demand immediate action by appealing to panic or the urgent need for help.

In the face of information fragmentation during disasters, cybersecurity education and constant verification are fundamental barriers to protecting both citizens and organizations.

For more valuable information on cybersecurity, visit the ESET website: https://www.eset.com/ve/. You can also follow them on social media: Instagram (@esetla, @esetla_ve) and Facebook (ESET).

Information and main image provided by ESET and Comstat Roland

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It is in difficult times that the value of solidarity is demonstrated. In response to the powerful earthquake that shook the country on June 24, leaving hundreds of families homeless and causing severe structural damage, Bancamiga has stepped forward to become a bridge of direct support between Venezuelans and those who need it most.

Starting this Friday, and throughout the weekend (Saturday and Sunday), the financial institution will conduct its normal operations at 31 of its branches nationwide, which will also serve as collection centers.

This weekend, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the branches will not only maintain their regular customer service, but will also receive donations for affected families, including drinking water, non-perishable food, personal care products, sleeping mats, blankets, clothing in good condition, and medicine.

The following branches will be open to all customers and citizens who wish to contribute: Sabana Grande, Las Ibarras, Puerto Cabello, Valle de la Pascua, Calabozo, Santa Teresa, El Tigre, Puerto La Cruz, Lechería, Upata, Puerto Ordaz, Ciudad Bolívar, Unare, Maturín, Maturín Centro, Cumaná, Barinas, Coro, Barquisimeto Este, Barquisimeto Centro, Mercabar, El Vigía, Mérida, Guanare, Acarigua, Barrio Obrero, San Cristóbal, Valera, Maracaibo Norte, Ciudad Ojeda, and San Francisco.

Bancamiga: Financial relief in Times of Crisis

Understanding that the emergency also requires immediate solutions to facilitate the daily lives of the population, Bancamiga activated a series of economic relief measures starting this Thursday.

Among the most notable actions is the temporary waiver of fees for all Mobile Payment transactions of Bs. 150,000.00 or less. This benefit was also applied to the Solución Amiga service, allowing Venezuelan families to receive remittances and income from abroad immediately and without any deductions.

Furthermore, to ensure that commercial activity and supply do not stop in the affected areas, the bank is maintaining the full continuity of its operations. Transactions at businesses with point-of-sale (POS) terminals continue to be processed as usual, ensuring cash flow for establishments and safeguarding the distribution chain of essential goods.

With these actions, Bancamiga reaffirms that its commitment goes beyond banking services: it is an alliance with the life, well-being, and future of every Venezuelan, guaranteeing that its channels remain open and at the service of the people when the country needs them most.

Information and images courtesy of Bancamiga Banco Universal

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