SIM Swap Scams in Argentina
How SIM hijacking enables criminals in Argentina to take over WhatsApp accounts, mobile banking, and crypto wallets.
Part of: SIM Swap Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
SIM swap fraud in Argentina is particularly dangerous because WhatsApp is central to both personal and business communication, and a hijacked number can provide access to individual accounts, group chats used for business transactions, and linked financial apps. Losses extend beyond banking to include business fraud, where scammers impersonate a victim's WhatsApp identity to request urgent transfers from their contacts.
Mercado Pago's deep integration with phone numbers makes SIM-linked account takeover a direct path to financial loss for millions of Argentine users.
How this scam works on Argentina
Argentine attackers gather victim personal data through phishing, social media, and data leaks. They then impersonate the victim at a Claro, Personal, or Movistar dealer shop requesting an emergency SIM replacement. Once completed, they reset WhatsApp and linked financial accounts including Mercado Pago.
With control of the victim's WhatsApp, scammers message the victim's contacts claiming an emergency — often a family crisis requiring urgent payment via Mercado Pago or transfer. Because the message comes from a trusted known contact's number, friends and family frequently comply before the victim regains control.
Argentine carriers have tightened verification requirements, but third-party reseller shops remain a weak link.
Common red flags
- Phone suddenly loses signal or shows 'SIM not registered' message
- WhatsApp asks you to reverify as if on a new device without you initiating this
- Friends and family receive unexpected urgent payment requests from your WhatsApp
- Mercado Pago or banking app shows a session you did not create
- Carrier sends confirmation of a SIM replacement you did not request
How to protect yourself
- Add a secondary PIN at your carrier store in person that must be provided for any SIM changes
- Enable two-step verification on WhatsApp in Settings > Account > Two-step verification
- Use an authenticator app for Mercado Pago and banking two-factor authentication — not SMS
- Alert family and friends immediately if your phone loses signal unexpectedly
How to report it
- Call your carrier helpline immediately — Claro 611, Personal 104, Movistar 0800-888-0220 — to freeze and reverse the swap
- Contact Mercado Pago's fraud line and your bank's fraud team to freeze accounts
- Report to the UFIN and file a criminal complaint with local cybercrime police
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if someone used my WhatsApp after a SIM swap to scam my contacts?
Regain control of your SIM and WhatsApp first by calling your carrier and reverifying WhatsApp with the new SIM code. Then immediately broadcast a warning to all your contacts explaining your WhatsApp was compromised and any recent payment requests were fraudulent. For any contacts who sent money, advise them to dispute the Mercado Pago transaction immediately and file a joint report with cybercrime police.