Uruguay warns on deepfake scams and fake police

Update October 23, 2026: Interpol launched a public campaign from Singapore on October 18, 2026, about AI deepfake scams. The initiative uses three short AI-generated videos to show how synthetic voices, images and video are used in fraud.

The Cybercrime Directorate’s Computer Crimes Department is investigating a scam in Maldonado and Montevideo in which people posing as members of the Interior Ministry’s Financial Crimes Department fooled victims through identity theft. They told them that unknown parties had taken out loans using their data, then pushed them to apply for credit, transfer money to e-money accounts and withdraw funds from their bank accounts.

What is known about the fraud under investigation?

The scheme combined phone or in-person contact with an urgent story and a request for concrete actions involving the victims’ money. According to FM Gente, the case is being investigated by the Computer Crimes Department of the General Directorate of Cybercrime. Teledoce reported that three people were scammed by fake Interior Ministry officials, with losses reported at USD 200,000 and more than $3 million.

Telenoche added that two 83-year-old women living in Maldonado were deceived by people posing as police officers and prosecutors. According to that outlet, they handed over cash and jewelry, and early information also says they were asked to take out loans. FM Gente said the victims were convinced to request loans, make transfers to e-money accounts and withdraw money from their bank accounts.

How does the official warning about deepfakes fit in?

Uruguay’s Interior Ministry warning came days before these cases became known and points to deepfakes as a tool for financial fraud and identity theft. The official statement said the country had joined an international Interpol campaign on this kind of manipulated content.

Interpol launched the campaign from Singapore on October 18, 2026, and said it uses three short AI-generated videos to show the use of synthetic voices, images and videos in scams. The organization described unsolicited contact, pressure to act quickly, and requests for personal data, bank information or money as warning signs of a possible scam. It also recommended contacting authorities and the bank immediately if a payment has already been made.

Subrayado added that the campaign also promotes setting up a family code word, protecting accounts with authentication, and training company staff to deal with deepfakes, vishing and social engineering.