How to prevent virtual scams?

Virtual scams are becoming more and more frequent. You can receive a deception attempt at any time through your email, phone calls, or text messages, when making a purchase online or in a store.

Common types of virtual scams

Knowing the different types of fraud helps you protect your assets and personal data:

1. Emails that pretend to be legitimate (phishing).

They want you to click on a link or download a file to get your data or install malware.

2. Fake calls and text or WhatsApp messages (smishing).

They impersonate your bank, a virtual wallet, a public body, or a service company to request personal or financial information from you.

3. Attempts to duplicate your SIM or phone chip (SIM swapping).

They are looking to get a duplicate of your line to access your banking applications or digital wallets and take control of your accounts.

1. Be wary of calls and requests for personal or financial information.

Avoid acting under pressure in the face of promises of prizes, supposed refunds or threats.

2. Do not open links that arrive through WhatsApp messages or any other platform.

If you have any doubts, look for the official website of the bank or company you are contacting and access from there.

3. Never share verification codes that you receive via email, text message, WhatsApp, or any other means.

Don’t send your username, password, or photo to help desks or support channels. They don’t need that information to assist you.

4. Use a different password for each virtual wallet or application.

Create strong passwords, change them frequently, and don’t share them. It is advisable not to accept the option to save passwords in the browser.

5. Activate two-factor authentication in your banking applications and virtual wallets.

6. Avoid public Wi-Fi networks and turn off Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or NFC when you don’t need them, so your device doesn’t connect automatically.

7. Protect access to your phone.

Set up a password or biometrics and prevent notifications from being displayed with the lock screen.
If you notice a sudden loss of signal, contact your mobile phone company immediately to verify if there has been a SIM change request. If confirmed, update your passwords and file a police report.

8. Turn off location, camera, and microphone when not needed.

9. Keep the operating system, browser, and apps up to date.

10. Use antivirus and antimalware and check frequently that they are up to date.

Keep in mind

The Central Bank will not contact you to ask for personal or bank details.

You can follow the bank security campaign #VosSosLaClave on the official profiles of the Central Bank on digital platforms.

Before using online investment platforms:

– Research the platform’s reputation.

– Confirm that it is registered with the National Securities Commission.

– Create a strong, unique password for that platform and change it frequently.

– Do not share the login password or save it in the browser.

– Activate two-factor authentication, preferably with biometric data.

– Always log in from your own devices.

– Set up notifications to receive sign-in and logout notices.

If you receive an email with an investment offer, verify that the sender is trustworthy before opening a link. When in doubt, do not open anything.

Never share verification codes that are received via email, text, or WhatsApp.

If you have a digital entrepreneurship

To take care of your business and your customers:

– Use a reliable online sales platform, with anti-fraud detection services, a secure server, and appropriate protocols to protect customer data.

– Access the platform from your own devices and avoid saving passwords in the browser.

– Set up notifications to receive sign-in and sign-out notices for your profile.

– Check the veracity of the payment details and verify that the payment has been correctly credited to your bank account or digital wallet before sending a product.

– If a buyer asks for a refund of the money for an alleged erroneous transfer, always check your accounts for the amount actually received.

Contact your bank or financial provider immediately to report suspicious transactions and request their intervention (e.g., blocking access to your account, pausing or canceling your card).

It is important to leave your claim formally registered.

You can also contact the Specialized Cybercrime Prosecutorial Unit (UFECI):

– Address: Sarmiento 663, 6th floor, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires.

– Phone: (+54 11) 5071-0040 / 0041

– Email: denunciasufeci@mpf.gov.ar

In addition, you can complete our fraud or scam claim form.