Mexican consulates are warning their citizens against paying for appointments that are officially free, highlighting the severe risk of personal data exposure. This advisory comes as fraudsters and “gestors” (intermediaries) exploit the public’s frustration with a difficult booking system, charging exorbitant fees for services that should be accessible at no cost. The consensus among diplomatic representatives is clear: any payment demanded for a consular appointment is unauthorized and potentially dangerous, as it often leads to identity theft and fraud rather than providing a legitimate service. Despite official assurances that appointments are available through the “Mi Consulado” system, many users report extreme difficulty securing them via phone or online. Consulates acknowledge that slots are released on specific days, urging citizens to check at those precise times. However, the disconnect between official availability and user experience has created a black market. By paying these intermediaries, individuals not only lose money but also inadvertently fuel an illicit industry that thrives on community vulnerability and the scarcity of free digital slots. This issue is crucial for open data advocacy because it exposes the tension between transparent public service platforms and the lack of effective, user-friendly access mechanisms. When official digital infrastructure fails to serve the population efficiently, it creates a vacuum filled by opaque, non-transparent private actors. Ensuring that government data and services are not only open but also genuinely accessible and free from predatory intermediaries is essential for protecting citizen privacy and maintaining trust in public institutions.
Source: univision.comPublished on 2023-04-07