Online scams have become increasingly common, demanding greater attention to the links and online content we interact with daily. Cybercriminals are constantly creating new methods to deceive people for financial gain, ranging from falsified payment receipts to fake technician impersonations. In Brazil, around 71% of the population has already fallen victim to this type of crime, which shows the need for caution when clicking on links in WhatsApp messages, emails, or SMS, as well as avoiding sharing personal information with strangers. To reduce risks, it is essential to understand how these scams work, recognize their main types, learn what to do if you are targeted, and adopt preventive measures to protect your data and avoid financial losses.
This article is part of a series on digital security. You can read the other texts here.
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Impersonation of Public Authorities Scam
Scammers increasingly impersonate government agencies, police departments, or other public institutions to trick victims into revealing personal information or authorizing fraudulent transactions. Contact is usually made through phone calls, text messages, WhatsApp, or email, using official-sounding language and fake case numbers to appear legitimate.
How the Scam Works
- The fraud typically begins with an unexpected call or message claiming that your identity has been linked to criminal activity, fraudulent financial transactions, or an ongoing investigation. The scammers may pretend to represent law enforcement, a public security department, or another government agency.
- To “verify your identity” or “resolve the case,” they ask for personal information, banking details, one-time verification codes, or copies of identification documents. In some cases, victims are instructed to install software, access online accounts, or follow specific steps that allow criminals to steal money or commit identity fraud.
Warning Signs
- Unexpected calls or messages claiming you are involved in a criminal investigation.
- Requests for personal, banking, or authentication information over the phone or messaging apps.
- Pressure to act immediately or threats of legal consequences if you do not cooperate.
- Phone numbers or messages that appear official but cannot be independently verified.
How to Protect Yourself
- Never share personal, financial, or authentication information with unknown callers or message senders.
- Be skeptical of unsolicited contacts claiming to represent government agencies or law enforcement.
- End the conversation immediately and contact the organization directly using its official website or publicly listed phone number.
- Never install software, scan QR codes, or follow instructions provided during unexpected calls.
- If you suspect a scam, report it to your local authorities and monitor your financial accounts for suspicious activity.
If You Become a Victim
If you shared personal information or financial credentials, contact your bank immediately to secure your accounts. Change any compromised passwords, monitor your accounts for unauthorized activity, and file a police report as soon as possible. Preserving screenshots, phone numbers, and message records can also help support the investigation.
