Authorities in Brazil and Portugal issue warnings against new fraud schemes

Authorities in Brazil and Portugal have issued warnings regarding distinct fraudulent schemes targeting citizens through digital and physical channels.

In Brazil, the Court of Justice of Pará (TJPA) warned of scammers impersonating judges via WhatsApp. These criminals contact citizens and service providers, claiming to be newly appointed magistrates. They request private transportation services, the purchase of supplies like water and ice, and the provision of personal or vehicle documentation under the guise of future reimbursement. The TJPA emphasized that judicial officials do not request private services or advance payments via messaging apps.

In Portugal, the Public Security Police (PSP) and the Bank of Portugal alerted the public to a scam involving fraudulent bank cards sent via mail. These highly personalized letters use the victim's real name and address to create a false sense of urgency, threatening account blocks if a 'new card' is not activated immediately. Victims are directed to follow links or QR codes that lead to phishing sites designed to steal banking credentials and funds.