Overview
- Police in La Plata opened an inquiry after a 24-year-old from Villa Elvira said a caller posing as Mercado Libre security steered him to a link and a QR that moved a large sum.
- The scheme starts in the marketplace chat or by phone, then shifts to WhatsApp where a QR code or payment link prompts approvals that let thieves empty accounts in minutes.
- Fraudsters present as sales, logistics or security staff and sometimes message from seller profiles with strong ratings to build trust and push urgent action.
- Leaving the platform’s tools strips buyers of dispute and refund safeguards, which makes reversing the transfers far less likely once money moves.
- Specialists advise keeping all chats and payments inside Mercado Libre, never scanning unknown QRs, checking alerts in the official app, and reporting suspects to support and local police.