Romance Blackmail Scams in Argentina
How sextortion schemes target Argentine victims through fake online relationships on social media and dating apps.
Part of: Romance Blackmail Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Sextortion and romance blackmail scams are a documented and growing fraud in Argentina, with victims reporting to the UFIN (cybercrime unit of the Fiscalía) and provincial cybercrime divisions. Organised groups create fake profiles on Instagram, Tinder, and Grindr, cultivate intimate connections, and then threaten to share content unless payments are made.
Argentina's Código Penal includes provisions for extortion and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images ('pornovenganza'), providing victims with legal remedies. Reporting is encouraged and handled with confidentiality.
How this scam works on Argentina
Argentine victims are typically approached via Instagram or dating apps by apparent locals or foreigners presenting as attractive professionals. The relationship escalates to intimate exchanges over days or weeks — sometimes involving video calls with pre-recorded content on the scammer's side.
Threats arrive quickly after any intimate exchange: pay via Mercado Pago or bank transfer within hours or the content will be shared with contacts. Some scammers specifically threaten to post material on Argentine social media groups or to email employers.
Multiple demand cycles follow initial payment, with each new demand larger than the last. Victims who stop paying are typically not exposed — scammers prefer compliant ongoing targets.
Common red flags
- New social media contact who quickly pushes toward intimacy without a prior relationship
- Threats arrive almost immediately after any intimate exchange
- Scammer explicitly references your employer, family members, or specific contacts from your profiles
- Payment via Mercado Pago demanded with a same-day deadline
- After payment, demands increase rather than cease
How to protect yourself
- Do not pay — the extortion cycle reliably continues after payment
- Block the scammer and preserve all screenshot evidence before doing so
- Report to the UFIN or provincial cybercrime unit — reports are handled confidentially
- Consult a lawyer if content is shared — Argentina's Código Penal provides specific remedies
How to report it
- Report to the UFIN (Unidad Fiscal Especializada en Ciberdelincuencia) via the Fiscalía website
- File a complaint at the provincial cybercrime division — every major Argentine province has one
- Report fake profiles to the social media platform to have them removed
Frequently asked questions
Does Argentine law protect sextortion victims?
Yes. Argentina criminalises extortion under Article 168 of the Código Penal, and Law 26.904 specifically addresses cyber harassment. Non-consensual sharing of intimate images is also increasingly prosecuted under provincial legislation. The UFIN and provincial cybercrime units handle these cases with confidentiality. Report as soon as possible to give investigators the best chance of identifying the perpetrators.