Scam loan apps extorting Mexicans thrive in Google Play Store

By Diana Baptista and Avi Asher-Schapiro

Fake money loan apps use doctored, x-rated photos and stream of violent messages to extort thousands in Mexico. — Photo by Julio Lopez on Unsplash

MEXICO CITY: A week after Pedro Figueroa borrowed 10,000 pesos (RM2,226) from Jose Cash, a popular Mexican lending app, the barrage of online abuse began.

A slew of WhatsApp messages swamped his phone, threatening harm – to him and his reputation – if he did not pay.

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