An alleged scam has raised concerns among social media users in Chillán and other communities across Chile's Ñuble Region. The complaint describes a possible fraudulent scheme involving seemingly trustworthy Facebook profiles used to contact people looking to hire services, exploiting mutual friends and references to the local community to establish credibility.
According to information provided to Noticias21, the alleged method involves identifying social media posts from people seeking specific services and contacting them through accounts that appear to have connections within the local community.
Advance Payments and Requests for Bank Transfers
According to the complaint, the individual allegedly requests an upfront payment equivalent to 50% of the service's total cost before carrying out the promised work or providing the service.
This type of advance payment, particularly when no guarantees are offered and the provider's identity has not been properly verified, can expose customers to financial losses if the promised service is never delivered.
Allegedly Posed as a Pilot Affiliated with the Chillán Aero Club
One of the most concerning allegations is that the individual reportedly presented himself as a pilot associated with the Chillán Aero Club, offering airplane flights.
Other services allegedly promoted included vehicle assistance, particularly jump-starting pickup trucks with a dead battery.
Another detail that has drawn attention is the individual's communication style. According to the information gathered, the person allegedly uses sophisticated vocabulary and demonstrates knowledge of different neighborhoods, streets and local landmarks in Chillán, communicating with the familiarity of someone who knows the city and its everyday life.
Mutual Friends Used to Create a False Sense of Trust
Among the profiles mentioned in the complaint is a Facebook account identified as "Harald Deuchman", which reportedly has connections with other profiles and local community groups, including "Todo Avisos Chillán, Entre Todos."
The concern is that mutual friends can create a misleading sense of security. The fact that two accounts share contacts does not necessarily mean there is a genuine relationship between them or that recommendations circulating through those connections are legitimate.
Banking Details Included in the Complaint
As part of the information submitted to Noticias21, the following banking details were reportedly provided for receiving payments:
- Reported account holder: Michel Swharths.
- Reported Chilean national ID (RUT): 13.103.961-1.
- Bank: Banco de Chile.
- Account type: Checking account (Cuenta Vista).
- Account number: 363920258.
- Associated email address: mdeuchman@gmail.com.
- Facebook profile: Harald Deuchman.
These details are reproduced as information provided by the complainant. They do not, by themselves, establish account ownership or confirm the account holder's involvement in the alleged incidents.
Warning to Residents Across the Ñuble Region
Residents of Chillán and all 21 municipalities of the Ñuble Region are urged to review their Facebook contacts, exercise caution when dealing with unfamiliar profiles, and alert family members, friends and neighbors to potential scams.
People are advised to verify directly with institutions whenever someone claims to represent them, avoid transferring deposits without first confirming the service provider's identity, and keep copies of conversations, payment receipts and contact information.
Anyone who believes they have been the victim of fraud should file a formal complaint with Carabineros (Chilean Police), the Investigative Police (PDI), or the Public Prosecutor's Office.
Having mutual friends on Facebook does not guarantee trustworthiness. Before transferring money or hiring services advertised on social media, always verify who is actually behind the account.
Noticias21 – Independent news coverage from the 21 municipalities of Chile's Ñuble Region.
