Argentina tightens alerts on virtual scams

Media outlets and institutions in Argentina have spent the last few days publishing guidance on how to deal with virtual scams, preserve evidence and escalate complaints after a fraud. The advice includes not clicking suspicious links, not downloading attachments, not sharing passwords, PINs or token codes, and contacting the bank or digital wallet immediately to block home banking, cards and tokens if the victim has already been scammed.

What should a victim do after a virtual scam?

They should block access, keep all digital evidence and move forward with the formal complaint and criminal report. Primera Edición said it is advisable to save emails, messages, WhatsApp conversations, screenshots, phone numbers and transfer details, including the destination CBU or CVU, for the criminal complaint.

The operating protocol described by El Litoral adds that, beyond blocking access and gathering proof, the affected person should formally dispute the transactions with the bank, obtain a complaint number and file the criminal report. It then recommends monitoring credit status, since some schemes involve taking out loans that leave victims with debt and later negative financial records.

What extra steps do legal analyses suggest?

An Argentine legal analysis on scams tied to Banco Nación recommends asking the bank to freeze, without deleting, the technical records of the fraudulent transactions and, after the criminal complaint, submitting a documented written claim. It also advises escalating the complaint as a financial services user before the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic and, if needed, turning to provincial or national consumer protection offices.

That same material details the technical information that should be preserved, including access IPs, timestamps, recipient accounts and any alerts that were or were not generated. The idea is to keep traceability for later disputes with the financial institution and for any administrative or judicial proceedings that may follow.

What fraud patterns keep showing up in the warnings?

Recent alerts agree that victims are often deceived through impersonation, fake calls and requests for sensitive data. Escudo Digital placed Argentina among the countries hardest hit by cybercrime in Latin America and cited common tactics such as phishing that impersonates banks or government agencies, theft from virtual wallets and bank accounts, and vishing through fake employees.

The OMIC in Tandil also warned about a scam based on money refunds, where the fraudster pressures the target to transfer or return funds just because a stranger asks, shows a receipt or creates urgency. Its advice is to verify transactions personally before sending any money back and, if in doubt, check with the financial institution through official channels.

In La Plata, 0221 added warnings aimed at older adults: no bank or official agency asks for passwords, codes, CBU, CVU or ID photos by phone or through social media, and people should not share WhatsApp verification codes or install remote-control apps at the request of strangers. It also suggested typing the official site address manually, enabling two-step verification whenever possible and checking with relatives before sending money or handing over personal data.

What warning signs are banks and agencies stressing?

Institutions are pushing specific behaviors to stop fraud involving remote support, fake advice and unexpected calls. Banco Provincia de Buenos Aires warned about a scam involving fake investment advisers and recommended not sharing your screen while using home banking, not installing remote-access apps at the request of third parties, verifying the identity of supposed advisers and not making extra payments to release frozen funds.

The Professional Council of Economic Sciences of Entre Ríos also issued a warning about fraudulent calls, stressing that no official entity asks for WhatsApp verification codes or banking passwords by phone. Its guidance was to distrust unexpected calls, avoid giving out sensitive information and hang up before contacting the agency through verified official channels.

What institutional response has there been to digital fraud?

Microsoft announced an agreement with ABIF to fight cybercrime and digital fraud, while DPL News coverage added that the association developed coordination with the National Prosecutor's Office, cybersecurity training campaigns and sector-wide actions aimed at financial institutions. Microsoft’s own coverage also mentioned user tools such as #SOSpecha and the 1212 hotline.

At the same time, Microjuris Argentina cited 270 million cyberattack attempts in Argentina over a six-month period, although the publication says the figure refers to an earlier reference from February 2021. The number appears in a doctrinal note on cyber scams and recent case law, as legal and financial groups continue to strengthen response and prevention protocols.