The summer season and the revival of scams
With the arrival of summer, while many people are busy enjoying their holidays, fraudsters are taking advantage of this time of relaxation to implement new deceptive tactics. The goal is clear: to steal personal data and money from those who are led away by trust.
A scam that hides behind the +351 prefix
According to authorities, one of the most troubling scams this summer comes from a number with a +351 prefix, which identifies calls from Portugal. When victims answer the call, they are greeted by an automated message urging them to save the number for later contact via WhatsApp.
The resume trap
Experts warn that unemployed people are the most likely to fall into this trap. The initial message is presented as a job opportunity, requesting details on the victim’s resume, and thus, scammers manage to collect valuable personal information.
Risk of impersonation
Once the necessary data has been obtained, fraudsters can misuse this information, even impersonating their victims. This can result in access to bank accounts, leaving victims in a critical financial situation.
Strategies to stay safe
To protect yourself from these types of scams, it is essential to follow some fundamental guidelines:
1. Source verification
Before providing any data, it is crucial to verify the authenticity of the communication. Serious institutions will never ask for personal information through calls or messages.
2. Protection of personal information
Avoid sharing sensitive data like your phone number or banking information through links from dubious sources.
3. Ignore suspicious calls
If you receive calls from this area code, block the number immediately and don’t be fooled.
4. Additional authentication
Set up two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
5. Regular updates
Keeping your device and apps up-to-date is vital to protecting yourself against vulnerabilities.
final reflection
With the proliferation of scams, it’s critical to stay informed and vigilant. Protecting your personal data is a responsibility that cannot be taken lightly, especially during relaxing times like summer.