Brazil fraudsters exploit messaging apps with fake lawyer and job vacancy scams

Criminals in Monte Alegre, Pará, have been posing as lawyers on WhatsApp, using authentic OAB registration numbers and real case details to convince victims to pay money via Pix. Victims are advised to verify any contact in person, avoid financial transfers through social‑media messages and report the fraud to the police and their bank’s fraud‑reversal service.

In a separate scheme, phishing messages that appear to come from recruiters at major brands such as Coca‑Cola, L’Oréal, Red Bull and Ogilvy are being sent to job seekers. The messages direct recipients to replica recruitment pages that request the user’s email address and password, allowing perpetrators to take over email accounts and launch further fraud. The companies deny any involvement. Security experts recommend never sharing email passwords, checking sender domains, and enabling two‑factor authentication.

Both scams rely on real‑world identifiers to build trust and highlight the need for vigilance when dealing with unsolicited financial or credential requests.