On August 14, 2026, the ARCA (Agencia de Recaudación y Control Aduanero)—Argentina's revenue and customs control agency—published a warning on its official Twitter account aimed at all Argentines who make purchases from abroad. The agency is alerting about a new wave of fake emails that use its name to try to scam consumers.
What Does ARCA's Warning Say?
According to the official tweet, if you made a purchase abroad and receive an email claiming to be from ARCA asking for payments, personal data, banking information, passwords, or access codes, the recommendation is clear: “do not respond or click on links.” The agency clarifies that ARCA does not send emails requesting this type of information.
How Do These Scams Work?
Cybercriminals often send emails that mimic ARCA's visual identity, using similar logos and formats. The message typically claims there is a problem with your international purchase, a pending payment, or a fine, and directs you to a fake link where you are asked to fill out forms with banking details or login credentials.
This technique is known as phishing, a form of social engineering that tricks victims into revealing confidential information. Cybersecurity experts note that these emails often create a sense of urgency or threaten account blocking to pressure victims into acting impulsively.
Official Recommendations to Protect Yourself
- Do not respond to emails requesting personal or banking data.
- Do not click on links or download attachments from unknown senders.
- Always verify the sender's email address: official ARCA emails come from domains ending in @afip.gob.ar or @arca.gob.ar (as applicable).
- Contact ARCA through its official channels (website, phone, or verified social media) if you have any doubts.
- If you already entered your data on a suspicious link, immediately contact your bank or card issuer to block transactions.
Context: ARCA and Its Role in Foreign Trade
ARCA is the agency responsible for tax collection and customs control in Argentina. Since its creation, it has absorbed functions that previously belonged to AFIP and the Customs Office. In recent years, with the growth of online shopping from abroad—especially through platforms like Amazon, AliExpress, or Shein—fraud that impersonates public agencies has multiplied.
International purchases are regulated by the postal shipments regime and customs taxes, which generates a constant flow of communications between the agency and citizens. It is precisely in that exchange that scammers find the opportunity to deceive.
What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Email?
ARCA recommends not interacting with the message and, if possible, reporting it to the Specialized Fiscal Unit for Cybercrime (UFECI) or through the agency's own reporting channels. You can also forward the email to phishing@afip.gob.ar (verify if that contact exists) or report it as spam in your email provider.
Prevention is the best tool: be wary of any email that creates urgency, asks for sensitive data, or includes shortened links. When in doubt, always check directly on ARCA's official website.
Source: ARCA's official Twitter account (@ARCA_Argentina), publication dated August 14, 2026.