Argentina Scams: Virtual Scams, Banking & Investment Fraud Guide
Common scams in Argentina and how to report via Ciberdelito, Defensa del Consumidor, and your bank.
Emergency number: 911 — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Argentina faces high rates of virtual scams (estafas virtuales) including phishing targeting bank apps and CVU (virtual accounts), WhatsApp account hijacking, fake e-commerce sites, and investment fraud. The Ministerio de Seguridad operates the Ciberdelito portal (argentina.gob.ar/seguridad/ciberdelito) for cybercrime reports. Consumer protection complaints go through Defensa del Consumidor via the official single-window portal or by calling 0800-666-1518. Argentina's emergency number is 911. Acting immediately with your bank remains the most effective step after any suspected fraud.
Common scams
- Virtual scams (estafas virtuales) — social engineering to authorise bank transfers or share CVU details
- WhatsApp hijacking and impersonation of contacts requesting transfers
- Phishing impersonating Mercado Pago, Mercado Libre, or major banks
- Investment fraud and fake crypto platforms
Tourist-specific scams
- Currency exchange scams ('cueva' blue-rate fraud)
- Overcharging taxis and unofficial transport
- Distraction theft in busy tourist areas
Online shopping scams
- Fake Mercado Libre or OLX product listings
- Phishing via SMS, email, and WhatsApp
- SIM swap enabling account takeover
Job scams
- Task scams via messaging apps
- Fake job offers requiring upfront payments or data submission
Romance scams
- Dating-app romance and pig-butchering crypto investment grooming
Investment scams
- Fake forex and crypto trading platforms
- Pyramid and multi-level investment schemes
How to report a scam here
- Contact your bank immediately to freeze and attempt to recall fraudulent transfers
- Report cybercrime via the Ciberdelito portal at argentina.gob.ar/seguridad/ciberdelito
- Report consumer fraud to Defensa del Consumidor via argentina.gob.ar or call 0800-666-1518
- File a criminal complaint at the nearest Fiscalía (public prosecutor's office)
Local reporting & protection links
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Contact your bank immediately using the number on your card or official app. Argentine banks can flag and attempt to hold fraudulent transfers — speed is critical. Never share tokens, passwords, or OTPs with anyone claiming to be bank support.
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot all messages, profiles, websites and payment pages
- Save transaction references, account numbers and crypto wallet addresses
- Keep emails with full headers where possible
- Note dates, times, names and phone numbers used
Frequently asked questions
What is the Ciberdelito portal?
Ciberdelito is the Argentine government's official cybercrime reporting portal at argentina.gob.ar/seguridad/ciberdelito, operated by the Ministerio de Seguridad. You can submit reports of online fraud, phishing, and digital crimes.
Are blue-dollar currency exchange offers on the street safe?
No. Unofficial currency exchange ('cueva') transactions carry significant risks including receiving counterfeit notes, being shortchanged, or being robbed. Use authorised exchange offices or bank channels.
How do I report consumer fraud in Argentina?
Submit a complaint via the official consumer single-window portal at argentina.gob.ar or call the Defensa del Consumidor free hotline at 0800-666-1518.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance