Chile Scams: Online, Investment & Consumer Fraud Guide
Common scams in Chile and how to report them to CSIRT Nacional, SERNAC, the PDI, and your bank.
Emergency number: 133 (police), 131 (ambulance) — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Chile has a high rate of internet use and a corresponding volume of online fraud including phishing, investment scams, fake online shops, and smishing targeting banking credentials. The CSIRT Nacional (Chile's national cybersecurity incident response team, now operating under the Agencia Nacional de Ciberseguridad) handles cyber incident reports. Consumer fraud can be reported to SERNAC (Servicio Nacional del Consumidor) at sernac.cl. The PDI (Policía de Investigaciones) has a dedicated Brigada del Cibercrimen for criminal cybercrime matters. Contacting your bank immediately after any suspected fraud and reporting promptly to the relevant authority are the most effective first steps.
Common scams
- Phishing and smishing targeting bank and e-wallet credentials
- Investment and crypto fraud
- Fake online shops and marketplace non-delivery
- Fake prize or parcel-fee SMS messages
Tourist-specific scams
- Overcharging or unlicensed taxis
- Distraction theft in city centres and tourist areas
Online shopping scams
- Phishing impersonating Chilean banks or Correos Chile
- Fake e-commerce sites
- Social media marketplace scams
Job scams
- Task scams via messaging apps
- Fake job offers requiring upfront documentation or equipment fees
Romance scams
- Dating-app romance and cryptocurrency investment grooming
Investment scams
- Fake trading platforms and clone broker firms
- Pyramid and multi-level investment schemes
How to report a scam here
- Contact your bank immediately if money was transferred
- Report cybersecurity incidents to CSIRT Nacional at csirt.gob.cl
- Report criminal cybercrime to the PDI Brigada del Cibercrimen
- Report consumer fraud to SERNAC at sernac.cl or call 800 700 100
Local reporting & protection links
- Cybercrime reporting
- Consumer protection
- Police
- SERNAC consumer helpline — Call 800 700 100 (free within Chile) to reach SERNAC
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Phone your bank on the number on your card as soon as you can. A transfer is most likely to be halted or recalled in the first few hours, and the money is often passed on quickly after that. Say plainly that you were tricked into authorising the payment, which gets you to the fraud team. Ask for the receiving account to be reported and note the reference you are given. If you followed a link and entered card details, ask for the card to be reissued and change your banking credentials.
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot all messages, profiles, websites and payment pages
- Save transaction references, account numbers and crypto wallet addresses
- Keep emails with full headers where possible
- Note dates, times, names and phone numbers used
Frequently asked questions
What is CSIRT Nacional in Chile?
CSIRT Nacional is Chile's national computer security incident response team, now operating under the Agencia Nacional de Ciberseguridad (ANCI). It coordinates responses to significant cybersecurity incidents and provides public guidance on threats. Visit csirt.gob.cl for current alerts.
How do I report consumer fraud in Chile?
Report to SERNAC (Servicio Nacional del Consumidor) at sernac.cl or by calling the free helpline 800 700 100. SERNAC can mediate disputes between consumers and businesses and take enforcement action for systematic violations.
Is the PDI different from the Carabineros?
Yes. Chile has two police forces: the Carabineros de Chile (uniformed, emergency response, dial 133) and the PDI (Policía de Investigaciones, plainclothes investigative police). The PDI's Brigada del Cibercrimen is the specialist unit for digital crime investigations.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance