Fraudulent WhatsApp Bolsa Família Scam Concerns Families in Ponta Grossa

The Ponta Grossa Social Welfare Foundation (FASPG) has issued a warning about a Bolsa Família scam on WhatsApp that uses fake messages to deceive social program beneficiaries. The criminals report an alleged denial of benefit and try to induce victims to click on options that could compromise the security of their personal data.

According to FASPG, the fraudulent messages state that there is a pending "request for assistance" related to Bolsa Família. To continue the alleged process, the scammers present options such as "Apply", "Cancel" or "Analyze progress".

The strategy explores the concerns of families who depend on the benefit and can lead to the improper provision of personal information.

FASPG advises beneficiaries not to respond to suspicious messages

The Foundation stresses that it does not send this type of communication by WhatsApp and that the contacts identified start from profiles without any link with public bodies.

The president of FASPG, Tatyana Belo, points out that criminals use the fear of losing the benefit to try to apply fraud.

“Scammers take advantage of families’ concern with benefit to get personal data and apply fraud. Therefore, we ask for more attention: FASPG does not send this type of message. In doubt, the family should seek CRAS, where it receives safe and free guidance," he says.

How to protect yourself from the Bolsa Família coup?

FASPG’s guidance is for residents of Ponta Grossa to adopt security measures when receiving suspicious messages related to the federal program.

Among the main care are:

Do not click on links or buttons sent by unknown numbers;

Not responding to suspicious messages;

Do not provide personal data, documents, passwords or bank information;

Block and report the number directly via WhatsApp;

Seek a CRAS to clarify doubts about the benefit situation.

The Foundation points out that the Social Assistance Reference Centers (SRAS) offer free care and are the indicated places to obtain reliable guidance on the program.

Where to consult information about the Bolsa Família in Ponta Grossa?

Families who receive messages informing the cancellation, blocking or rejection of Bolsa Família should avoid any procedure requested by unknown contacts.

In case of doubt, the recommendation is to look for the CRAS of reference of the neighborhood or use the official channels of the Federal Government to verify information about the benefit.

FASPG reinforces the importance of sharing the alert with family and acquaintances, especially people receiving the Bolsa Família, to reduce the risk of new victims in Ponta Grossa.