Influencer Scammed with Fake Ground Amber in Mérida Health Fraud

Mérida, Yucatán — An influencer reported being scammed during a vacation in Mérida after a man convinced her to buy fake ground amber he claimed could cure various illnesses.

Content creator Esmeralda Soto shared her experience on TikTok, saying the encounter occurred at a city restaurant where the man approached her after noticing people recognized her and asked for photos.

According to her testimony, the individual began conversing with her and claimed to be a businessman, archaeologist, and neuroscience specialist, which built trust with the content creator. She said they shared personal experiences during the conversation, including health-related topics.

The man reportedly spoke about supposed healing methods based on minerals and stones, asserting that ancient civilizations like the Maya used these elements for curative purposes. Using this argument, he convinced her to purchase ground amber that he said could help improve her health.

The influencer explained that the alleged scammer introduced himself as “Luca Barbachano” and presented himself as the owner of several restaurants they visited together, where he greeted staff and appeared to cover expenses, further reinforcing her trust.

He then offered to sell her ground amber for approximately 4,500 pesos, telling her she should consume it as part of an alternative treatment. He also persuaded her to buy an additional amount for her mother, who also had health problems.

The content creator said that after trying the product, she noticed it tasted similar to a cookie, though at the time she didn’t suspect it might be a scam. Later, the man also requested an 18,000 peso loan, arguing he needed to cover expensive medical studies.

According to her account, she agreed to lend him money and made an initial transfer. She recalled that the man insisted he needed the money and that she lend it as soon as possible, which raised doubts for the influencer, who began analyzing the situation with her family.

“After the nine thousand pesos I gave him, now he was asking me for 18 thousand more,” Soto said. “He kept insisting via WhatsApp that I not forget about the money.”

On the third day, when discussing the product with her mother, suspicions arose about its authenticity after both agreed the supposed ground amber tasted similar to powdered milk, leading them to consider it might be fraud.

After realizing the possible scam, the influencer contacted her bank to cancel the transaction and prevent the man from withdrawing the remaining money. She then blocked the alleged scammer, though she said he tried to contact her again to learn why she cut off communication.