The Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro has issued a warning about a scam known as the 'canceled purchase scam', which is prevalent across Brazil. According to Flávia Monteiro de Barros, the head of the 51st Police Department in Paracambi, this fraudulent scheme targets individuals who make purchases through digital platforms. After a purchase is made, the fraudster cancels the transaction and subsequently poses as customer service, attempting to extract personal information from the victim.

The scam begins when a victim unknowingly buys a product from a fraudster's profile on an online platform. Shortly after, the transaction is marked as canceled. The scammer then initiates contact with the victim through the official chat or app, asking them to share their WhatsApp number for further assistance. Once communication is successfully transitioned to WhatsApp, the scammer can deceive the victim by sending fraudulent links or soliciting sensitive personal and bank information, which may lead to further financial loss and identity theft.

The implications of this scam extend beyond immediate financial fraud; victims may face ongoing risks as their personal information can be utilized for future scams. The police are emphasizing the importance of awareness regarding such scams, urging consumers to exercise caution and verify identities before sharing any personal data. The warning comes at a time when online shopping is on the rise, highlighting the need for vigilance in digital transactions.