San Pedro Sula, Cortés
The need to get money quickly and easily is leading many Hondurans to fall into scams. Given this situation, economists recommend investing in safer options regulated by the National Banking and Insurance Commission (CNBS).
Likewise, specialists warn that many of these scams They are spread through social networks and messaging applications, where supposed investment opportunities with high returns in a short time are promoted.
Given this scenario, they recommend that the population verify that the entities are duly registered and supervised by the CNBS, as well as distrust offers that promise immediate profits without risk.
People fall into pyramid scams mainly due to a combination of psychological and economic factors and the sophistication of modern deceptions. Scammers offer extremely high returns, far above what any regulated financial market offers, presenting them as an “easy business.”
In Choloma there is a lot of money from remittances and they are looking to invest, says the CCICH
Alejandra Mejía, executive director of the Choloma Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CCICH)explained that, in crisis contexts such as the one facing the municipality, characterized by low salaries and dependence on remittances, desperation to obtain additional income can cloud people’s critical judgment and make them more vulnerable to pyramid scams.
He closure of more than 200 maquilas has led to an increase in unemployment. Furthermore, the monthly flow of remittances encourages part of the population to invest without verifying whether it is a scam that promises quick investment returns.
“They fall due to desperation and the lack of non-traditional and high-yield investment mechanisms, people who want to invest their savings, but don’t know what,” said Mejía.
Both regulated and unregulated financial institutions operate in Honduras. The group of regulated companies includes those under the direct supervision of the National Banking and Insurance Commission (CNBS), as well as savings and credit cooperatives, supervised by the National Supervisory Council of Cooperatives (Consucoop).
In accordance with Article No. 3 of the Law of the Financial System of Honduras, the institutions authorized to carry out financial intermediation are public or private banks, savings and loan associations, financial companies and any other entity dedicated to the activities contemplated in said law, as long as it has prior authorization from the CNBS.
They recommend that the population seeking to invest join cooperatives
Alberto Benítez, president of the Honduran College of Economists (CHE)northwestern chapter, stated that, in the face of the fraud of pyramid investment schemes, the cooperative movement must promote a broad financial education campaign aimed at the population.
“Highlight that savings and credit cooperatives are legally authorized institutions with deposit insurance funds. People who join automatically become members, earn interest on contribution deposits, withdrawable funds or fixed-term funds; they always receive better interest.”
Benítez added that being part of a cooperative guarantees people the access to loans with favorable interest rates and, in addition, to surpluses or profits that are distributed at the end of the year among the members.
The National Supervisory Council of Cooperatives (CONSUCOOP) reports to the CNBS a total of 89 savings and credit cooperatives under supervision in the country.
Entrepreneurship is the way, but first you must do a market study
Rafael Delgado, economist, pointed out that the economic situation in Honduras, marked by low incomes and the high cost of goods and services, keeps the population in a constant search for additional income.
“There really is no safe investment; any type of investment involves risk. There are medium and high-risk investments; however, there are speculative, and even illegal, investments that turn out to be scams.”
Delgado recommended that, in the case of having savings or income from remittancesthe most convenient thing is to start your own business, preferably small. However, he emphasized that first a market study and a business plan that includes income and expenses must be carried out. “In every venture there is a preparation process that involves knowing the market,” he said.
Economists emphasize that promoting financial education It is fundamental for economic and social development, and its strengthening requires structured, sustainable strategies adapted to the needs of the Honduran population.
Fixed-term deposits, profitability is 4% to 7%
Amparo Canales, former president of the Honduran College of Economists (CHE)indicated that citizens can opt for fixed-term deposits in banks regulated by the CNBS, whose profitability ranges between 4% and 7%.
He also recommended joining a cooperative, since, unlike banks, which are for-profit companies owned by shareholders, cooperatives are nonprofit entities owned by their members.
They reinvest their surpluses to offer better rates, while banks seek to maximize profits for their owners. “The interests are competitive and the savings programs are supportive; the important thing is to ensure that the institution has support and offers low risk,” said Canales.
Likewise, there are regulated microfinance institutions that offer services such as loans, savings, insurance and transfers, designed for low-income people, entrepreneurs or small businesses that do not have access to traditional banking.
Its objective is to promote financial inclusion and self-sufficiency. In this sense, it is recommended to verify with the CNBS that the institution is properly regulated.
The 2025 Financial Inclusion Report The CNBS registers 85 supervised financial institutions in Honduras.
