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‘Holiday Reñaca’ Rental Scam Hits 200+ Argentine Families in Chile as PDI Investigates

The cloned site vanished after a public apology, exposing a scheme that feigned legitimacy with WhatsApp verification, paid ads and Booking links.

Overview

  • Chile’s investigative police (PDI) opened a case after reports surged around New Year, with no arrests or recovered funds publicly confirmed.
  • The operation impersonated the real Holiday Park in Reñaca and usurped administrator Egon Pfaff’s identity, using the Angamos 367 address to appear credible.
  • Victims paid advance transfers—some routed to an account listed as Conference Spa—with individual losses reported up to about US$1,300.
  • Many travelers discovered the fraud on arrival, found no reservations and had to secure emergency lodging at additional cost during peak season.
  • After publishing an apology attributed to the operator, the fake website went offline as affected tourists filed complaints and sought chargebacks, aided by local agent Valentina Funes and RyH Propiedades.