Warning in Mexico: Not Even Your Fingerprint is Safe From This New Identity Theft Scheme

Methods of theft—such as pickpocketing, mugging, or extortion—are things we have, unfortunately, grown accustomed to hearing about. But what if I told you that now you could be robbed using your very own skin? Using your own fingerprints—your very own identity? 

A type of decal made from acetate and silicone, recently detected in Jalisco, allows criminals to pose as legitimate customers with active lines of credit without ever having to present physical identification, thereby opening the door to fraud that is far more difficult to detect. Curious to learn more? We explain it all below. 

The case came to light in Zapopan following an incident at a retail store in the Jardines del Sol neighborhood. Two men—Carlos Alberto and Alberto Alejandro—entered the store with the intention of obtaining money using this scheme. They were carrying the fingerprints of at least four different individuals, printed onto acetate sheets and affixed to their own fingers using silicone adhesive. 

Although they initially appeared nervous and struggled to get the biometric scanner to recognize the prints, after several attempts, they finally managed to get the system to validate an identity registered in the store’s database, resulting in the approval of a 35,000-peso line of credit. 

Once they had secured the funds, they attempted to complete their plan by purchasing two high-end smartphones at the same establishment. However, they made a critical error. When asked to present official identification for the purchase, they actually produced it—despite having previously claimed they didn’t have any with them. 

This contradiction raised red flags among the employees, who noticed inconsistencies in the men’s behavior. Upon closer inspection, fragments of acetate bearing printed fingerprints were discovered—some even featuring labels indicating the names of the individuals to whom the prints belonged. 

This discovery exposed an organized identity theft ring. Subsequently, municipal police officers arrived at the scene and confirmed that the suspects were indeed in possession of these materials, as well as a fake ID bearing another person’s details—in addition to their own legitimate government-issued identification. 

Authorities noted that this is the first documented case in Jalisco involving this specific method, which has provided a clearer understanding of these groups’ *modus operandi*. Although there had been prior reports of identity theft occurring at department stores, investigators had been unable to determine exactly how these groups operated until this arrest was made in the act. 

The method stands out due to its high level of sophistication, as it involves not only the physical reproduction of fingerprints but also unauthorized access to customers’ personal data. Consequently, the Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the possibility of an internal data leak from within the store, given that the information used corresponded to actual customers of the establishment. 

Investigators are also working with fingerprint analysis specialists to understand how these counterfeit fingerprints are reproduced and to trace their origin. At least one victim—a resident of Monterrey—was affected, suffering a financial loss of 35,000 pesos. 

While authorities are currently attempting to locate the victim to advance the investigation, the detainees have, in parallel, been brought before a judge. The judge upheld their arrest, formally charged them with identity theft, and ordered them held in preventive detention for six months. 

This case highlights both an unprecedented criminal method and the inherent vulnerabilities of biometric security systems—as well as the potential for internal data breaches—thereby reflecting an alarming new level of sophistication in the realm of identity theft. 

We want to hear from you. Had you heard of this specific fraud method before? Should we be concerned about the speed at which new scamming techniques are evolving? Let us know in the comments below. 

Source: Milenio