A recent report on the Brazilian show Fantástico has unveiled a new scam sweeping across the country, where criminals pose as laboratories offering home delivery of medical test results for a small fee. In this scheme, victims are deceived into thinking they are receiving legitimate results while unknowingly handing over sensitive banking information. The scammers often provide details such as the name of the doctor who ordered the tests, adding a layer of credibility to their fraudulent operation.

The story highlights the case of a retired woman from Porto Alegre who fell victim to this 'exam scam' after visiting a private hospital. Two weeks post-consultation, she received a call claiming her results were ready for delivery, ensnaring her into paying a seemingly low fee of R$ 4.99. However, during the delivery, the scammer insisted on payment via card instead of cash. This critical moment allowed the criminal to manipulate the payment machine and steal her banking information, resulting in substantial unauthorized purchases totaling R$ 8,500 within hours.

Authorities are warning the public about this scheme, encouraging vigilance and suggesting ways to verify the authenticity of such calls or offers. The rise of this scam underlines the increasing sophistication of fraud tactics used against unsuspecting individuals, particularly the elderly. As the case spreads concern, it emphasizes the need for better consumer education on safeguarding personal data and recognizing potential fraud.