BTN News: In a troubling development that underscores the challenges facing independent journalism in Nicaragua, La Prensa, the country’s oldest and most respected newspaper, has raised the alarm about a Russian-operated website that is impersonating its identity. This fake website is being used as a tool to spread disinformation and to harvest personal data from unsuspecting readers. The incident highlights the ongoing threats to press freedom and digital security in a country where independent media has been severely restricted by the government of Daniel Ortega. The situation also serves as a reminder of the growing sophistication of phishing schemes that prey on individuals seeking reliable information.
La Prensa, which was established on March 2, 1926, and now operates exclusively online due to the political climate in Nicaragua, revealed that the fraudulent website, www.topmarketsales.ru, is actively promoting false news about exiled Nicaraguan journalists such as Carlos Fernando Chamorro and María Lilly Delgado. The website, which is not directly accessible via a standard web search, relies on deceptive advertising on social media platforms, particularly Facebook, to lure users into its trap. These ads are managed by a Facebook account under the name “Shok money,” further complicating the task of distinguishing legitimate content from malicious sources.
According to La Prensa‘s Development and IT Department, this scam employs a tactic known as phishing, where users are invited to enter personal information through a fake registration form. The goal is to steal sensitive data, which could then be used for malicious purposes, including identity theft or unauthorized access to personal accounts. The newspaper has reported the fraudulent page to Facebook and has issued warnings to its readership, urging them to exercise caution when navigating online, particularly in environments where misinformation is rampant.
The editorial team of La Prensa emphasized the importance of verifying the URL of the websites readers visit, stressing that their legitimate content is only available through their official domain, www.laprensani.com. Additionally, they advised against sharing personal or sensitive information unless users are absolutely certain they are interacting with the official channels of La Prensa on social media.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of repression against independent media in Nicaragua. Since the outbreak of popular unrest in April 2018, the Ortega government has shut down or expropriated 56 media outlets, leaving La Prensa and a handful of others to operate under constant threat. The newspaper’s staff, many of whom are now working in exile, continue to report on the situation in Nicaragua despite these challenges, highlighting the critical role of independent journalism in upholding truth and accountability in the face of authoritarianism.
As digital threats evolve, La Prensa‘s experience underscores the need for vigilance in protecting oneself online, especially in politically volatile environments. Readers are encouraged to stay informed by following official sources and to be wary of any unusual requests for personal information. The fight for press freedom in Nicaragua continues, and La Prensa remains at the forefront, not only battling censorship and persecution but also navigating the complex digital landscape where misinformation and cyber threats pose new challenges.