A physician and social media influencer in Puebla, Mexico, known as Mr. Doctor, has publicly reported being the victim of a significant financial scam, totaling over 600,000 pesos. The incident highlights the growing risk of fraud, even for those who routinely expose deceptive practices.
Octavio Arroyo Martínez, as he is formally known, detailed how the perpetrator gained his trust over approximately five months, promising bi-weekly profits through investments in unspecified businesses. According to Mr. Doctor, these promises proved false, and the invested funds were never returned. The loss represents a substantial portion of his personal savings earmarked for a new business venture.
“I just found out that they scammed me out of more than half a million pesos; a person who lives here in Puebla has scammed dozens of people out of millions of pesos and I was one of his victims,” he declared in a video posted to his social media platforms.
The irony of the situation is not lost on Mr. Doctor, who has built a following by publicly challenging misinformation and fraudulent practices within the medical field. He acknowledged that his own experience underscores the vulnerability of anyone to sophisticated deception.
The alleged perpetrator reportedly employed a calculated strategy to build rapport with victims. This included inviting them to family gatherings, parties, and even religious events, fostering a sense of trust and credibility. Once that trust was established, the individual allegedly secured funds or assets before disappearing. Mr. Doctor emphasized that this modus operandi appears to be consistent across numerous victims.
The scope of the alleged fraud extends beyond Mr. Doctor’s personal loss. He reports that dozens of individuals in Puebla have been affected, with the total amount of defrauded funds potentially reaching 10 million pesos. Victims have reportedly lost not only cash but also vehicles, land, homes, and have incurred significant debt based on the perpetrator’s investment promises.
“In my case it was only cash… He took cars, houses, land from other people; he has made people go into debt,” he explained.
Mr. Doctor has stated his intention to file a formal complaint with the authorities, alongside other victims, and plans to reveal the alleged perpetrator’s identity once legal proceedings have commenced. He also expressed concern regarding potential connections between the accused and organized crime, as well as political influence, and has held the individual accountable for any potential repercussions affecting himself or his family.
This incident serves as a cautionary tale, prompting Mr. Doctor to urge the public, particularly in Puebla, to exercise extreme caution when considering investments. He stresses the importance of thorough due diligence, formal contracts, and legal guarantees before entrusting funds to others. The case underscores the need for vigilance against financial scams, even when presented by individuals who appear trustworthy.
The incident comes amid a broader pattern of online fraud and scams, as reported in recent news. , reports surfaced regarding the death of influencer Yulia Burtseva following a high-risk cosmetic surgery, with allegations of fraudulent practices surrounding the procedure. Similarly, , influencer Dr. Polo faced accusations of participating in a smear campaign in exchange for financial compensation. These cases, while distinct, highlight the potential for deception and harm within the influencer landscape and the importance of critical evaluation of information shared online.
While the specific details of Mr. Doctor’s case are still unfolding, it serves as a stark reminder that anyone can fall victim to fraud, regardless of their knowledge or public profile. The emphasis on careful vetting of investment opportunities and the importance of legal safeguards remains paramount in protecting individuals from financial harm.
