Internet Security

Every three seconds there is a new attempt at digital fraud in Brazil, according to data from Serasa. Criminals are increasingly using the Internet as a tool to carry out scams, causing theft of personal information and financial losses.

Understanding how these crimes occur and knowing digital security practices are essential to protect yourself from scammers and avoid possible losses.

What are the most frequent digital scams?

With advances in technology, it is increasingly difficult to say what is true and what is fraudulent in the digital universe - and any minor detail that is ignored can be costly. Online scammers benefit every day from people's frailty and innocence to trick them.

Through old and updated strategies, they are able to access phones and computers, collect data, and take money from Internet users. Sometimes the scam comes through a fake bill, a promise of a service that will never be fulfilled, or even a non-existent job opening.

The list is long and there is still no solution to these digital frauds that are multiplying on the Internet. Even as authorities develop new security features, criminals will continue to improve their techniques and take advantage of the good faith of Internet users.

It is very important to know which are the most frequently applied scams and to be aware of the first signs. Among the most common are:

Fake company page scam

Scammers create fake pages or profiles that mimic renowned companies and institutions to trick people into clicking on links so they can capture personal data, such as username, passwords, credit card numbers, and other information.

WhatsApp scam

Using an unknown number and a photo of the victim in the profile, the scammers send WhatsApp messages to the victim's contacts asking for bank transfers or bill payments in the person's name. It's common for him to start the conversation by saying that he lost his old phone and that's your new number.

False bill scam

Criminals create fake bills that look very similar to those already issued by large institutions and have values close to what would be the reality. When making the payment, the victim transfers the money directly to the scammers, without receiving the promised product or service.

Pix scam

The Pix also began to be used by scammers after becoming popular in Brazil. Criminals contact victims by offering products or services in exchange for payment through the tool. After the Pix is performed, the person disappears.

“Pishing” scam

Through fraudulent messages, scammers contact victims as if they were recognized institutions, such as banks and energy distributors, or even as close friends, and include malicious links taking Internet users to fake sites where their personal data is captured.

Fake call center scam

Criminals contact the victim pretending to represent a bank or a company and report a problem, which may be a false overdue account or a non-existent purchase at a high amount, for example. They then take advantage of it to obtain personal data, take financial advantages or control the cell phone of the person who is falling for the scam.

Job advertisement scam

Taking advantage of the fragility of people seeking job opportunities, criminals create fake sites with vacancies that have benefits and salaries that don't exist to steal personal information and even money from victims.