In Ponta Porã, Brazil, two women were arrested by the Military Police under suspicion of impersonating health agents to conduct a fraudulent vaccine survey. The police reported that witnesses alleged the women approached families, particularly targeting children aged 10 to 14, claiming to collect personal information related to a study on a dengue vaccine. During these visits, they asked for sensitive data, including names, addresses, and even children’s CPF and PIX keys.

The suspicious behavior of the women escalated when they promised families a reward of R$30 for their time but instructed them to deny participation if asked by others about the questionnaire. This raised alarm bells among the residents, who ultimately reported the duo to the authorities. The peculiar circumstances around the women's inquiries, along with inconsistencies in the information they provided to different families, contributed to the growing concerns within the community.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges related to health misinformation and fraud in Brazil, especially in the context of public health crises such as dengue outbreaks. The need for greater awareness and vigilance among citizens about the authenticity of health campaigns and research initiatives has become more crucial, especially in vulnerable populations like children. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of their protection and the role of community reporting in combating scams and health threats.