A 75-year-old doctor from São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, was scammed out of over R$ 113,000 when he believed he was communicating with his daughter. The incident occurred on Friday, October 6, when he received a message on a social media platform from a fraudster posing as his daughter, claiming to have problems with her banking app. The scammer, using his daughter’s photo, manipulated the doctor into thinking she needed urgent financial assistance.

The fraudulent conversation escalated when the impersonator claimed there were unpaid bills that needed to be settled immediately. Trusting he was speaking with his daughter, the doctor transferred money and paid the bills, totaling an amount of R$ 113,065. It was only after he realized he had been duped that he reported the incident to the police on Sunday, October 8. A report was filed as estelionato, which refers to the crime of fraud in Brazil, at the Central de Flagrantes police station.

This case underscores growing concerns about the increase in digital scams targeting vulnerable individuals, particularly the elderly. The clever use of social media to impersonate family members reveals a significant challenge in combatting online fraud, as scammers effortlessly exploit trust to seize substantial amounts of money. Local authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and verify information through alternative methods before making any financial decisions in similar situations.