Fraudsters impersonate São Paulo Public Security Department to steal personal data
Criminals use the name and address of the SSP to intimidate victims and obtain information that is subsequently used in bank fraud and illegal purchases.
Fraudsters impersonate São Paulo Public Security Department to steal personal data
Criminals are running a new scam in the name of São Paulo's Secretaria de Segurança Pública (SSP). The fraudsters use the name and address of the department, located in the central region of the capital, to persuade citizens to hand over personal information.
According to the SSP, victims receive false calls or messages summoning them to give statements about a non-existent case. The pretext used is an alleged improper use of data to obtain credit cards at financial institutions.
During conversations, the scammers request personal data, claiming a need to confirm the person's identity. This information is later used to open bank accounts, take out loans, make purchases and commit other types of fraud.
The Secretaria stressed that it does not make this type of contact with the public. In a statement, it recommended extra caution regarding calls from unknown numbers and emphasised that no personal information should be passed over the phone to strangers.
The department advises anyone receiving this type of call to file a police report, providing as much detail as possible about the phone number used, the time, the duration of the conversation, which data were requested and what justification the scammers gave.
The SSP also warned that personal data must not be provided under any circumstances.
Source: Folha de S.Paulo
Source: Google News BR — São Paulo