fake websites steal personal information

2023-06-26 20:30:08

With the growing digitization of financial transactions, criminals have taken the opportunity to try to take advantage of people who are unaware of the precautions with fake websites, mainly in relation to the Fundo de Garantia por Tempo de Serviço (FGTS) .

This scam has been seen in the last three years and relies on the use of fake online platforms that mimic the official FGTS environment.

Scammers create convincing websites and apps in the eyes of the population with the intention of tricking them into providing their personal information.

This information, once obtained by criminals, can be used for fraudulent purposes, such as applying for loans on behalf of the individual.

The fake FGTS website scam works through phishing techniques, a strategy used to trick the user into believing they are on an official website.

Generally, the layout and design of fraudulent websites are very similar to those of the official FGTS, making it difficult to identify the scam, especially for less experienced users.

Initially, criminals approach victims through messaging apps such as WhatsApp. The user receives a false message stating that he has an amount available for withdrawal in his FGTS account.

The aim of the criminals is to trick the individual into accessing the fake website, where they may be asked to provide personal information or even make payments for non-existent fees in exchange for fictitious benefits.

What to do in case of a coup?

If the user notices that his FGTS balance has been reduced without his authorization, it is important to act quickly. Thus, he should look for a Caixa Econômica Federal branch to obtain detailed information about the unauthorized withdrawal.

Then the individual must file a Police Report (BO) at a nearby police station and provide all relevant information. After this process, he must return to the bank branch and request the withdrawal dispute.

Typically, response to the dispute is provided within 60 days.

Here are four tips to protect yourself against these scams:

Always be wary of unexpected messages about FGTS withdrawals; Avoid clicking on suspicious links received in messages; Always check the veracity of the information on the official FGTS website; Never share personal or financial information or passwords.

With information from AARONTURA TV