Fraud, a crime involving scams and deception with the intent of obtaining illicit advantage, has become increasingly recurrent in Brazil. According to data from the Brazilian Public Security Yearbook, every 16 seconds, a fraud scam is committed in the country, revealing the severity and speed with which criminals act. This type of crime affects thousands of Brazilians every year, leaving financial and emotional victims.
Lawyer Rafael Caferati, from Jobim Advogados, warns that the increasing use of digital means and the sophistication of fraud techniques make fraud a constant threat, affecting both individuals and businesses. According to Caferati, “it manifests itself in various forms, such as bank fraud, online scams, document forgery, and false promises of business or investments. Victims often don’t realize they are being deceived until the damage is already done,” the lawyer emphasizes.
With the popularization of the internet and the digitization of financial services, scammers have exploited online platforms to carry out scams. “The lack of knowledge about prevention methods has been one of the main factors fueling this type of crime”, highlights Caferati.
Fraud can have devastating effects on victims, both financially and psychologically. In addition to significant economic losses, many people feel unprotected and insecure after being deceived, which affects their emotional well-being.
Given the frequency and variety of scams circulating, the public needs to be alert and informed to avoid falling victim to fraud. Lawyer Rafael Caferati recommends some essential preventive actions to protect against fraud:
Check the credibility of offers: be wary of offers that seem too good to be true. Scammers often use promises of quick gains or extraordinary benefits to lure victims.
Be cautious with requests for personal information: never provide confidential data, such as bank account numbers or passwords, over the phone or email, especially if the contact is unexpected.
Use secure platforms: when shopping online or conducting banking transactions, ensure the website or platform is trustworthy and has adequate security measures.
Beware of links and attachments: never click on suspicious links or download attachments from unknown senders. These are common methods for spreading viruses and stealing personal information.
If someone becomes a victim of fraud, it is crucial to act quickly to minimize the damage. The lawyer advises that, “upon realizing they have fallen for a scam, the victim should report the fraud to the police authorities. If the fraud involves banking transactions or online purchases, it is important to immediately notify the bank or platform, which can take steps to block transactions or reverse the amounts. Additionally, consulting a lawyer can be essential to understanding the victim’s rights and assessing the possibility of seeking redress”, he explains.
In times of increasing digitization, awareness of the risks of fraud should be a priority for everyone. Prevention depends on a collective effort, where knowledge and caution can make the difference between safety and loss.
