Scammers target businesses in Praia Grande and Iguaba Grande

Criminals are targeting businesses in Brazilian coastal regions through various impersonation and extortion schemes.

In Praia Grande, São Paulo, scammers are posing as representatives of the Municipal Sanitary Surveillance. They contact commercial establishments via phone or messaging apps to demand documents and cash payments. The local Public Health Secretariat has clarified that official procedures do not involve requesting deposits, bank transfers, or Pix payments through WhatsApp or telephone.

In Iguaba Grande, Rio de Janeiro, merchants have reported receiving threatening calls from individuals claiming to be standing outside their stores. These criminals demand immediate money transfers, threatening violence or property damage if payments are not made. In several instances, the Military Police responded to calls only to find no suspects present, identifying the incidents as fraudulent attempts to extort money.