In Mongaguá, a city located along the São Paulo coast, residents are falling victim to a fraudulent scheme involving false tax collection. The perpetrators pose as municipal agents who claim to assist citizens in settling their tax debts. They approach individuals at their homes, presenting official-looking documentation and a credit card terminal to collect payments for non-existent debts. This has raised significant concern within the community due to the deceptive tactics and the potential financial impact on unsuspecting residents.

The fraud operates by visiting neighborhoods, specifically targeting areas like Jardim Praia Grande and Santa Eugênia. The fraudster presents a pamphlet featuring the city’s branding, asserting that the resident has an outstanding obligation that needs to be addressed. Once the victim is convinced of the debt, the fraudster offers immediate payment options using portable payment machines, making it easy for them to collect money on the spot. The alarming nature of this scam highlights the need for increased awareness among residents about potential fraud activities.

In response to this issue, the municipal government has taken action by issuing an official alert to inform and warn the public. They emphasize the importance of handling any municipal payments directly through official channels, specifically at the Mongaguá City Hall. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and skeptical of any unsolicited tax collection attempts to prevent falling victim to such schemes in the future. Official communication from the municipality is key to ensuring that citizens are aware of how to properly handle their tax matters without falling prey to fraud.