Recently, in Manaus, there have been reports of a scam involving the sending of fake SMS related to Bolsa Família, which consists of sending fraudulent text messages to beneficiaries of the social program.
These messages often contain misleading information, such as the need to update registration data or the promise of receiving an additional benefit amount. In light of this, the Municipal Secretariat for Women, Social Assistance and Citizenship (Semasc) issued a warning to beneficiaries to be aware of the new scam.
How the Bolsa Família SMS scam works
Therefore, scammers send SMS messages to Bolsa Família beneficiaries, asking them to click on a link provided in the message. However, this link usually directs victims to a fake website, where they are asked for personal and financial information. Thus, by providing this data, victims end up being targets of identity theft and financial fraud.
Therefore, to avoid falling for fake SMS scams related to Bolsa Família, it is important to be aware of some warning signs. Messages that request personal or financial information, that contain spelling or grammar errors, or that seem too good to be true should be treated with caution.
How to protect yourself
In view of this, to protect yourself against fake SMS scams, it is essential to follow some simple precautions, such as never clicking on suspicious links sent via SMS, especially if they ask for personal or financial information.
Furthermore, it is important to always verify the authenticity of messages by contacting the responsible bodies directly, such as CAIXA Econômica Federal, to confirm any information received.
Finally, if you receive a suspicious SMS related to Bolsa Família or any other social program, it is important to report the scam immediately to the Federal Police or CAIXA Econômica Federal.
Image: Archive / Agência Brasil
