A Vicente López resident named Enrique V. attempted to secure a holiday apartment in Mar del Plata to celebrate the New Year with his family. After finding an enticing property online, he transferred a deposit of 420,000 pesos to a virtual wallet belonging to the supposed owner. However, as his travel date approached, he could no longer reach the seller, revealing that he had fallen victim to a scam.

The perpetrator, identified as Rubén Grasso, is currently serving a life sentence for the murders of Leonardo Fernández, also known as El Mago Alex, and his girlfriend Jésica Cigola. Operating from within the confines of the Magdalena prison, Grasso managed to execute this fraudulent scheme, illustrating the lengths to which he would go despite being incarcerated. The case highlights the vulnerabilities of individuals seeking rentals online, especially during popular vacation times.

With the rising prevalence of online scams, this incident raises awareness about the necessary precautions potential renters should take. It underscores the importance of verifying the authenticity of property listings and the need for secure payment methods to prevent such frauds. This case may have implications for future legislation intended to protect consumers in the real estate market, particularly in popular tourist destinations like Mar del Plata.