Cali warns of fake WhatsApp subsidy scams after earthquake

Cali officials are urging residents to ignore deceptive WhatsApp messages and social media posts falsely promising emergency subsidies. These fraudulent communications, circulating after an August 10 earthquake, aim to trick citizens into visiting unauthorized websites to steal personal data.

Scammers are exploiting the emergency situation by sending messages that falsely claim recipients have been selected for financial aid. The city administration clarified that the only active procedure for assessing affected populations is the "Registro Unifamiliar de Emergencias" (RUFE). This is a technical, in-person process conducted in the affected neighborhoods.

Catalina Rincón, an advisor to the Mayor's office, stated, "We have received reports of web pages that link to links indicating they are beneficiaries of subsidies; we ask them not to open these messages because this leads to possible scams." She emphasized that the RUFE registration is done in person through direct visits to properties by authorized personnel.

The administration reiterated its call for the community to refrain from accessing dubious links or providing personal information on unverified platforms. All aid programs and updates are exclusively disseminated through official digital channels.

“

We have received reports of web pages that link to links indicating they are beneficiaries of subsidies; we ask them not to open these messages because this leads to possible scams.