Fraud, a crime involving deceit and trickery aimed at obtaining illicit advantage, has become increasingly common in Brazil. According to data from the Brazilian Public Security Yearbook,Every 16 seconds, a 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 Law Firm, warns that the increasing use of digital means and the sophistication of fraud techniques make fraud a constant threat, affecting both individuals and companies. According to Caferati,“It manifests itself in many different ways, such as bank fraud, virtual scams, document forgery, and false promises of business or investments. Victims often do not realize they are being deceived until the loss is already real,”the lawyer emphasizes.
With the popularization of the internet and the digitization of financial services, scammers have been exploiting online platforms to commit fraud.“The lack of knowledge about prevention methods has been one of the main factors that fuel this type of crime”, epic 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 in circulation, the population needs to be alert and informed to avoid falling for frauds. Lawyer Rafael Caferati recommends some essential preventive actions to protect oneself from 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 attract victims.
Be wary of requests for personal information:Never provide sensitive information, 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 carrying out banking transactions, make sure the website or platform is trustworthy and has adequate security measures in place.
Be careful with links and attachments:Never click on suspicious links or download attachments from unknown senders. These are common methods to spread viruses and steal personal information.
If a person becomes a victim of fraud, it is essential to act quickly to minimize the damage. The lawyer advises that,“upon realizing that they have been scammed, the victim must report the fraud to the police authorities. If the fraud involves bank transactions or online purchases, it is important to immediately inform the bank or platform, which can take steps to block transactions or reverse the amounts. In addition, consulting a lawyer can be essential to understand the victim's rights and assess the possibility of seeking compensation.”, he explains.
In times of increasing digitalization, 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.
