News and Information

Extortion Scam Message

April 22, 2008

This message is being issued to alert American citizens residing in or traveling to Paraguay that the Embassy’s security office has advised Mission personnel of an apparent extortion scam that is being carried out in Asuncion.

Victims of the scam receive a phone call from an unknown individual who usually has some detailed information about the victim and the victim’s family.  A threat of kidnapping or physical harm is made and in order to avoid this, the victim is told to take an agreed upon amount of money to deposit at a currency transfer business in the Asuncion area.  After depositing the money, the victim then gives the transaction number of the deposit to the unidentified individual so that it can be withdrawn at another location.

In all reported cases the extortion and transaction took less than 24 hours.  Victims have reported the unidentified callers to be very calm and business like, and some detected a Portuguese accent. In one of the cases, the cell phone number used by the extortionist was traced back to Tacumbu Prison in Asuncion.

To date the Embassy has no reports that these types of phone threats have lead to a kidnapping, nor have we heard reports of any group of kidnappers operating in the Asuncion area.

This type of extortion preys on peoples’ fears and here in Asuncion the scam can typically be traced back to incarcerated individuals operating out of a prison, like Tacumbu.

If you receive a threatening call like the one described above, hang-up and cease taking calls from unknown numbers.  Make a note of the caller’s demands, tone of voice, and accent if any.  Report the incident to the local police and the Embassy’s Consular section.  Do not yield to the callers demands for payment.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Country Specific Information, and Travel Alerts can be found.

Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Americans living or traveling in Paraguay are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration web site, https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Paraguay. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the Embassy. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.

U.S. Embassy Asuncion contact information:
Tel: 011-595 21-213-715,
after hours 011-595 21-213-715 extension 2210
Fax: 595-21-228-603
email: ParaguayConsular@state.gov