Argentina's Central Bank (BCRA) has issued an urgent alert about fake profiles on social media that mimic official bank and digital wallet accounts. Scammers copy logos, names, and posts to deceive victims. Users are urged to verify before interacting, as phishing attempts surge across platforms.

The Central Bank of the Argentine Republic (BCRA) published a warning on Thursday, August 20, 2026 via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, alerting the public to the rise of fake profiles on social networks that impersonate the institution, commercial banks, or digital wallet providers.

In the statement, the BCRA urges users to “take a few minutes before interacting with an account that appears to be from the Central Bank, a bank, or a digital wallet” – because cybercriminals often copy logos, names, profile pictures, and even recent posts to make the account look legitimate.

How Do the Scammers Operate?

This technique is known as identity theft or phishing. Attackers create profiles on platforms like X, Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok that exactly mimic a financial entity. Then, from these fake accounts, they typically send direct messages offering supposed benefits, security alerts, or requesting personal data such as passwords, card numbers, or verification codes.

The BCRA reminded the public that it never asks for sensitive data via social media and does not request transfers or payments through those channels. In case of doubt, the institution recommends always verifying the official account, checking follower counts, account creation date, and post history – and if suspicious, report the profile and do not respond.

Key Recommendations to Protect Yourself

  • Verify the URL and username: Official profiles usually have a verification mark (blue tick) and exact web addresses.
  • Don't click on suspicious links: If a message asks you to enter a link, better type the address directly into your browser.
  • Never share passwords or codes: No legitimate entity requests them via private message.
  • Enable two-factor authentication on all your bank and wallet accounts.
  • Report: If you find a fake account, report it to the social network and also to the BCRA via its official website.

This type of fraud has increased in recent months in Argentina, affecting users of traditional banks and digital wallets such as Mercado Pago, Ualá, or Naranja X – popular payment apps in the country. The BCRA stresses that prevention is the best tool: always be wary of deals that are too good to be true, or urgent messages that ask for personal data.

For more information, you can visit the official BCRA website at www.bcra.gob.ar or check their verified social media accounts.