Brazil's state of Pará has reported nearly 29,000 virtual scams in 2025, highlighting a significant increase in online fraud cases. The most prevalent form of scam reported was swindling, accounting for roughly 19,000 complaints, followed by several other types including identity theft, electronic fraud, theft, extortion, and ideological falsehoods. This surge in incidents has prompted state authorities to issue warnings and guidance to residents about how to protect themselves from becoming victims of these scams.

To mitigate the risks associated with online scams, local authorities are emphasizing the importance of skepticism towards unexpected contact attempts, especially those involving requests for personal information, passwords, verification codes, or urgent financial transfers. They have clarified that legitimate banks and governmental institutions do not request sensitive information via phone calls or text messages. Victims are advised to refrain from sharing any details when faced with suspicious communications and to report such incidents to law enforcement.

The report indicates that scammers often exploit fear, urgency, and the illusion of legitimacy by impersonating representatives from financial institutions or well-known companies. As such, awareness and vigilance among the public are crucial in combating these cybercrimes. The state government is actively working to inform and educate citizens about the tactics employed by scammers to better equip them in recognizing and avoiding potential scams.