Mexicans Worry Bank, Personal Data is for Sale Amy Guthrie - Dow Jones
go to original June 18, 2013

MEXICO CITY - The alleged sale of banking clients' personal information in Mexico has caused a fire storm in a country where kidnapping and extortion are common, with local politicians insisting that authorities crack down on the purported practice.

An investigation published by Mexican newspaper Reforma this week detailed that for as little as $315, criminals can purchase a list of addresses, phone numbers and account numbers for clients at some of the country's largest banks. The newspaper reported that it was able to verify the information by contacting people on the lists. One list for sale was described as containing information for "Mexicans with High Incomes."

The newspaper also said that Mexican voter registration data is available for sale, as are rosters of phone company clients and recipients of government healthcare.

Prospective buyers are asked to deposit payment to a bank account in Hollywood, Florida, Reforma reported. The seller claimed to divide his time between the U.S. and Argentina.

"This has to stop," said Sen. Miguel Barbosa, senate leader for the leftist Party of the Democratic Revolution. Mr. Barbosa called for investigations by Mexico's Attorney General and the country's privacy and public information institute, Ifai, to determine how the information is leaked.

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