Gas Bill Discount Scam Circulating on Social Media and WhatsApp

A scam targeting residents in Argentina is spreading across social media and WhatsApp, falsely offering gas bill discounts from utility company Camuzzi. Victims are tricked into sharing personal data and banking information, with scammers posing as company representatives to facilitate money transfers or gain access to mobile devices.

Overview of the Scam

The Municipal Consumer Protection Office in Trenque Lauquen, Argentina, has issued a warning about a new fraud scheme that exploits the name of gas utility company Camuzzi. The scam is spreading through Facebook and WhatsApp messages offering text such as "Join the Cold Zone Law discounts, last days remaining," and has already generated multiple reports.

How the Scam Works

The typical progression of this fraud includes:

Initial Contact: Social media posts and messages present attractive offers such as "50% gas bill discounts" and request personal information submission
Impersonation: After victims provide information, scammers contact them impersonating Camuzzi representatives
Information Extraction: Fraudsters ask detailed questions about bank accounts, which banks the person uses, and personal credentials
Final Fraud: Using the collected information, scammers request money transfers or ask for permission to access the victim's mobile phone

Important Details

Camuzzi does not conduct promotional campaigns offering discounts through unofficial social media posts or this type of mechanism.

Warning Signs

Service discount offers from sources other than official channels should be treated with suspicion
Requests for personal or banking information from someone claiming to represent Camuzzi warrant caution
Messages emphasizing urgency (such as "last few days") are typical fraud tactics

Prevention Steps

Do not click on links or complete forms from questionable sources
Never share personal information, banking details, passwords, or security codes
Do not provide bank account information or details
Do not make transfers or payments to access alleged benefits
Never allow third parties to control or access your mobile phone
Always verify information through official company channels

Where to Report

Trenque Lauquen municipality operates a free fraud consultation service called ARAS (Threat and Scam Response Assistant) via WhatsApp, available 24/7, allowing residents to report suspicious messages and contacts in real time.