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[CRIME] · Brazil · 7 sources

started · updated

Paraíba police investigate massive debt-clearing fraud scheme

Police in Paraíba have launched 'Operação Falso Score' to investigate a fraudulent scheme known as the ‘indústria do limpa nome’ (clean name industry). The operation targets a group suspected of using class action lawsuits to obtain judicial injunctions that temporarily remove debt restrictions from consumer credit reports.

While these injunctions allowed consumers to appear debt-free during credit checks, the restrictions would reappear once the judicial decisions were overturned. Authorities estimate the scheme could be linked to losses totaling R$ 130 billion across Brazil.

During the operation, eight search and seizure warrants were executed in João Pessoa and Cabedelo. Investigators seized cars, jewelry, cash, cell phones, and notebooks. The investigation also extended to São Paulo, which is believed to be a hub for client recruitment. The Grupo Amigos do Consumidor (GAC) is among the entities mentioned in the investigation.

Entities

Grupo Amigos do Consumidor · Paraíba · São Paulo

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Warrants were also served in São Paulo, where client recruitment reportedly occurred. pagina1pb.com.br
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] The scheme involved using class action lawsuits to obtain judicial decisions that temporarily cleared debt records. pagina1pb.com.br
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Eight search and seizure warrants were executed in Paraíba, including locations in João Pessoa and Cabedelo. pagina1pb.com.br
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Police are investigating a scheme known as the 'clean name industry' that temporarily removes consumer debt restrictions. pagina1pb.com.br
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] The investigation estimates the scheme may be related to losses of R$ 130 billion across Brazil. pagina1pb.com.br