In a recent article, a journalist from Clarín shares a frightening experience with a common telephone scam known in Argentina as the 'cuento del tío.' The piece begins with a personal narrative, describing how the journalist, who typically wakes up late and takes his time adjusting to the day, answered a call from an unknown number. This led to a distressing scenario where he was manipulated into believing that his son was in peril after an alleged street robbery involving gun violence. The journalist aims to shed light on the incident, perhaps as a warning for others who might find themselves in a similar situation.

The call came from a seemingly friendly woman who claimed that his son was in a police station following a violent incident, which included the hospitalization of one of the assailants. As the scam unfolded, the journalist experienced a whirlwind of emotions, ranging from fear for his son's safety to confusion and skepticism about the unfolding narrative. Despite his immediate worry, he later recognized the call's falsehood and the tactics employed by the scammers to instill panic.

This article serves not only as a personal account of a harrowing experience but also as an important public service message for readers. By sharing this story, the journalist highlights the prevalence of such scams in Argentina and the emotional toll they can take on unsuspecting individuals. The narrative ultimately combines elements of humor and a cautionary tale, illustrating the lengths to which scammers will go to exploit people's fears, prompting readers to remain vigilant against such deceitful practices.