The arrest of a woman posing as an employee of the “Farmácia Popular” program to collect bank details and a photo from an elderly man on 4 December, in Cosmos, in Rio’s West Zone, is just one example of this type of scam. Between January and November of this year, according to data from the Public Security Institute (ISP), 132,587 cases of fraud were reported in the state — equivalent to one case every four minutes, on average. This figure is the highest in the historical series and represents a 22% increase compared to the same eleven months last year. These numbers also include people who fell victim to the new driver’s license (CNH) suspension scam, where criminals send fake text messages claiming that the driver’s license will be suspended unless a link is clicked. However, this communication is fraudulent.
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Regional Distribution
As with all crime rates in Rio, the distribution of fraud cases is unequal. Depending on the police precinct area — known as the Public Security Integrated Area, or CISP — the variation is significant. São Sebastião do Alto (CISP 155), in the state’s interior, registered only 15 fraud cases in the first eleven months of this year. On the other hand, Campo Grande (CISP 35) recorded 5,951 cases of fraud during the same period.
Areas with the Most Fraud Cases this Year
– CISP 35 (Campo Grande) – 5,951 cases
– CISP 32 (Taquara) – 4,965 cases
– CISP 16 (Barra da Tijuca) – 4,505 cases
– CISP 64 (São João de Meriti) – 3,190 cases
– CISP 42 (Recreio dos Bandeirantes) – 3,243 cases
– CISP 34 (Bangu) – 2,810 cases
– CISP 123 (Macaé) – 2,742 cases
– CISP 134 (Campos) – 2,618 cases
– CISP 93 (Volta Redonda) – 2,426 cases
– CISP 54 (Belford Roxo) – 2,306 cases
Fake Form
Flávia Alessandra de Sousa Pessoa was arrested after presenting a fake form with a federal government stamp and two boxes of medication. The case occurred on Rua Ivatuva, in Cosmos. She claimed that the forms were from the “Farmácia Popular” program (a federal program offering discounts on medications) to convince elderly individuals to take a photo with their ID. She then used this information to take out loans in the victims’ names.
How the Driver’s License (CNH) Scam Works
The CNH scam is similar to others that impersonate the Federal Revenue Service or the postal service. Upon clicking the link in the message, the victim is directed to a fake website for the Digital Traffic License and asked to enter personal information on another fake gov.br page. After inputting their CPF, the site displays real data about the individual, such as full name, date of birth, and mother’s name. Then, it shows a false notification about the suspension of the license. At the end of the process to supposedly regularize the license, the page displays a fee and a link to generate a payment slip, which transfers money to the scammers.
Be Careful
In this scam, simply clicking the link does not expose the device to risks like viruses, as the goal is to trick the victim into making a payment. However, there are some indicators that a message is fake and can help you avoid falling for scams. Below are common elements of this type of fraud:
- Emails or text messages with links or requests for data — official agencies do not use these channels for communication;
- The link does not end with “.gov.br,” which is used by public agency websites;
- Scammers create a sense of urgency by claiming the license will be suspended, pressuring the victim to click the link and follow instructions;
- The sender pretends to be an official agency, but upon checking the contact, there is no additional information about the number that sent the SMS.
Analysis:
The alarming rise in scams in Rio de Janeiro, including fraud cases linked to false driver’s license suspension and the Farmácia Popular, exposes a critical gap in digital security and public awareness. The 22% increase in reported incidents compared to the previous year highlights not only the sophistication of criminal tactics but also structural vulnerabilities in combating such crimes. It is essential to emphasize that public agencies do not use SMS, emails, or messaging apps to communicate with the public, underscoring the need for widespread educational campaigns.
Geographic analysis reveals that areas with the highest incidence, such as Campo Grande and Taquara, experience a disproportionate concentration of scams. This pattern may result from factors like population density, internet access, and misinformation. Prioritizing these regions for investments in police training, educational initiatives, and the modernization of reporting systems is crucial to effectively address this issue.
Criminals’ use of social engineering, such as creating urgency to extract personal data, is a growing concern. Scams like the driver’s license scheme highlight the dangers of leaked personal data being misused, while the Farmácia Popular scam demonstrates the particular vulnerability of the elderly population. Addressing these threats requires coordinated actions, including targeted awareness campaigns in healthcare settings and partnerships with civil society to enhance community resilience against fraud.
