Mar 21 • 15:17 UTC 🇧🇷 Brazil G1 (PT)

Businessman falls for fake bank manager scam and loses over R$ 63,000

A businessman in São José do Rio Preto lost over R$ 63,000 after being scammed by someone posing as a bank manager.

In São José do Rio Preto, Brazil, a 44-year-old businessman reported losing over R$ 63,000 after falling victim to a scam involving a person pretending to be a bank manager. The businessman, who manages his company's accounts primarily through mobile apps and a notebook, received a call from the scammer on a Thursday, who claimed he needed to guide the businessman through system updates. Trusting the caller, the victim followed the instructions, which ultimately allowed the scammer to gain access to his bank accounts.

Shortly thereafter, unauthorized transactions were made from the victim's accounts through the PIX payment system, totaling R$ 63,349. These transactions were sent to five different accounts, indicating a coordinated effort by the scammer. The businessman expressed his disbelief about being conned, as he had previously updated his banking details and was accustomed to changes in bank management, which made the call seem legitimate to him.

This incident highlights the growing concerns regarding digital banking fraud in Brazil, where scammers increasingly impersonate bank staff to exploit unsuspecting individuals. It serves as a warning to others about the risks associated with online banking and the importance of verifying any unusual requests before taking action over the phone, especially those regarding sensitive information or access to bank accounts.

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