Mexico City — Mexico’s Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) has issued a warning about the illegal sale of counterfeit security locks on e-commerce platforms, which it says are being used by scammers posing as utility workers to extort money from customers.
The CFE said it detected listings for so-called “CFE locks” on sites like Mercado Libre, with prices starting at 400 pesos (about $20) and sold in multi-unit packs. The locks are actually security seals used by the utility to protect electricity meters and detect tampering.
According to media reports and social media complaints, individuals posing as CFE employees use the fake locks to demand cash payments in exchange for avoiding supposed power cuts or fines. The scheme combines identity theft with extortion, the utility said.
In a statement, the CFE clarified that its official security seals and locks are the property of the nation and for exclusive use by authorized personnel. Unauthorized use, counterfeiting, or sale by private individuals is illegal and constitutes a crime under Articles 241 and 242 of the Federal Penal Code.
The CFE emphasized that it has no ties to any digital platform for the sale of these devices. It also stated that no CFE employee is authorized to request cash payments or collect money directly at homes under any circumstances.
The utility urged customers not to buy or sell these products, not to hand over cash to anyone claiming to be a CFE worker, and to report any attempted fraud or extortion involving fake seals.
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