A police investigation has identified seven criminal groups from Passo Fundo, Brazil, that specialize in a lottery ticket scam, with operations spanning multiple states across the country.
In less than a week, law enforcement in Brazil has uncovered seven criminal groups that are specialized in the well-known lottery ticket scam, all based in Passo Fundo, located in the Northern region of Rio Grande do Sul. The police believe that this city serves as the hub for a network that spreads the fraudulent practice throughout the country. Victims often fall prey to swindlers who promise substantial lottery prizes, only to find themselves manipulated into giving away money or personal information.
The scam typically involves an elderly person who presents a supposedly winning lottery ticket and asks for assistance to find a lottery agency, thereby luring the unsuspecting victim into a trap. Between late January and early February, the police executed operations that led to the arrests of individuals from these seven groups across various Brazilian states, including Santa Catarina, Goiás, Alagoas, Espírito Santo, and Paraíba.
According to delegate Adroaldo Schenkel, many of the perpetrators arrested are seasoned con artists who have established a sophisticated system to exploit not only their immediate community in Passo Fundo but also expand their operations to other regions. This revelation has prompted authorities to issue warnings to the public about the scam and provide guidance on how to avoid falling victim to similar tricks.
