Phone scam blocks phones and targets bank accounts of victims in Irati

Residents of Irati sought out the Military Police after being victims of a phone bankruptcy that involved requesting personal data, access to bank accounts, transfers via Pix and even the complete blocking of the victims’ mobile phones. The cases were registered with the 8th Independent Military Police Company (8th CIPM).

According to the occurrence bulletins, the situations occurred on the same date and presented similar characteristics. In one case, the victim reported that she received a call around 5:30 p.m. from a number she could not identify.

During the conversation, the scammer reportedly began asking questions about a person known to the victim, supposedly to obtain references and confirm information.

Scammer asked for banking data and operations via Pix

The author then said he would need to pass on a related amount to a shopping site to the victim’s bank account.

During the call, the criminal began to request banking information and directed the victim to access the account through the application installed on the mobile phone. According to the report made to the police, operations were also requested through Pix, including using the available banking limit.

After performing the procedures and beginning to question the man about the situation, the victim realized that the cell phone had been completely blocked, making it impossible to access the device.

The person was directed by the Military Police to block the bank cards and adopt the necessary procedures to protect the accounts and continue the legal measures related to the case.

Second case also involved screen sharing

Hours later, around 9:15 p.m., another person appeared at the headquarters of the 8th CIPM reporting a similar situation.

According to the bulletin, she had also received a call at approximately 5:30 p.m. The man who was on the other side of the line asked for information about a victim’s acquaintance, presented as a trusted friend.

The suspect claimed that he needed to transfer a related amount to a shopping site and that the money would be stored in a kind of “cloud” and subsequently be sent to the victim, since the alleged friend’s bank account would be in trouble.

During the call, the victim even shared the cell phone screen with the suspect.

Neighbor was suspicious of the scam, but also had her cell phone blocked

Along with the second applicant, a neighbor also sought out the Military Police and said she had received a similar call.

In her case, the suspects also requested access to a checking account for the receipt of an alleged amount. The woman suspected that she might be facing a coup and decided not to pass on more information.

Even so, after the call, her cell phone also ended up totally blocked, according to the police record.

The victims received cybersecurity-related guidance, including blocking bank cards and changing passwords and ways of accessing accounts that store personal and financial information.

The report was prepared and forwarded to the 41st Civil Police Station of Irati, which must adopt the appropriate measures.

How to avoid phone scams

The guideline is to avoid providing passwords, confirmation codes, bank details or personal information during calls from strangers. It is also not recommended to share the screen of the mobile phone or install applications indicated by third parties.

In case of suspected fraud, the recommendation is to immediately terminate the connection, contact the bank directly through the official channels and change access passwords.