The Directorate of Police Investigations (DPI) reported the capture of 173 people suspected of fraud at different points in Honduras during the first months of 2026, as a result of operations carried out by its specialized units.
The arrests correspond to investigations related to different forms of fraud: from the manipulation of payment systems and the cloning of bank cards to commercial scams carried out through social media and online buying and selling platforms.
The figure reflects the diversity of mechanisms used to obtain money illicitly and highlights the risks faced by consumers when they carry out financial transactions or purchase products from sellers whose identity has not been verified.
The police spokesperson, Josselin Mairena, confirmed that among those detained are Honduran and Colombian citizens, linked to different criminal schemes. In the case of the foreigners, the investigations link them to procedures used to copy information from bank cards and carry out transactions without the authorization of their owners.
This type of fraud represents a risk for users of the financial system, since the information can be obtained during seemingly normal transactions at ATMs, without the victim noticing that the machine has been tampered with.
Devices at ATMs and fake sales
According to the investi…
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The year-end season increases consumer exposure to deceptive advertisements and electronic purchases. The Police Directorate of Investigations (DPI) reported the capture of 173 individuals suspected of fraud in different parts of Honduras during the first months of 2026, as a result of operations carried out by its specialized units. The arrests correspond to investigations related to various forms of fraud: from manipulating payment systems and cloning bank cards to commercial scams executed through social networks and online buying and selling platforms. This figure reflects the diversity of mechanisms used to illicitly obtain money and highlights the risks consumers face when conducting financial transactions or acquiring products from sellers whose identity has not been verified. The police spokesperson, Josselin Mairena, confirmed that among the arrested individuals are Honduran and Colombian citizens, linked to different criminal schemes. In the case of the foreigners, investigations relate them to procedures used to copy bank card information and carry out operations without the owners' authorization. This type of fraud poses a risk to users of the financial system, since the information can be obtained during seemingly normal operations at ATMs, without the victim realizing that the equipment has been manipulated. According to police investigations, some suspects of Colombian nationality allegedly participated in installing electronic devices in ATMs to capture confidential bank card information. The mechanism consists of equipment that obtains financial data during transactions or cash withdrawals. This information can then be used to duplicate cards and facilitate fraudulent movements, without the knowledge or authorization of the holders. Sub-inspector Mairena explained that these devices allow for the illicit collection and reproduction of user data, which opens the possibility of using their bank instruments to carry out unauthorized operations. Police investigations cover frauds ranging from bank card cloning to commercial scams on the internet. Card cloning is a particularly delicate modality because the affected person may only discover the fraud when they receive a bank notification, check their account statement, or identify movements they do not recognize. ATMs are not the only scenario. Digital platforms have also become a space exploited by people who offer non-existent products and services to obtain advance payments. Among the channels identified by investigators is Marketplace, where publications related to the supposed sale of cell phones, motorcycles, spare parts, and vehicle components, as well as automotive repair offers, have been detected. The appeal of these publications is usually related to seemingly favorable prices, promotions, or purchasing conditions that can lead interested parties to make hasty decisions. According to the investigations, the suspects contact potential buyers, negotiate the transaction conditions, and request deposits or advance payments as a requirement to reserve the product, start a repair, or guarantee delivery. Once they receive the money, they stop responding to messages and calls, change their phone numbers, or eliminate the communication channels used to contact the victims. The affected individuals lose the transferred money and do not receive the contracted items or services. The problem is not limited to the sale of phones or motorcycles. Vehicle repair offers also represent a risk when users give advance payments without having verifiable references for the workshop or the person performing the work. Some Colombian suspects allegedly installed devices to copy data in ATMs. The proximity of the Christmas season introduces a scenario of greater commercial and financial activity, due to the increase in purchases, electronic transfers, cash withdrawals, and internet transactions. During this period, consumers usually look for offers to acquire household appliances, phones, motorcycles, accessories, and other items, while businesses expand their operations to meet the demand of the holidays. One of the main recommendations is to verify that the product exists and that the person offering it has confirmable commercial history. It is also advisable to be wary of publications with prices considerably lower than usual, especially when the seller conditions the offer on an immediate transfer.