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Discover the “Desenrola” scam on WhatsApp and how to protect yourself
The prominence and easy access to social networks and messaging apps, such as WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook, have become a breeding ground for scammers. Recently, a new scam related to the federal government’s debt renegotiation program, called “Desenrola,” began to spread on these platforms.
What is the nature of the “Desenrola” scam?
Scammers are taking advantage of users’ lack of knowledge to carry out the scam. They create situations involving favorable debt discounts or offer more details in exchange for registration, requesting personal information, making online payments, or providing fraudulent phone numbers and links for contact.
Criminals use these “traps” to collect victims’ personal data, such as their name, address, CPF, bank account details, and other information. With this data, they can access victims’ accounts, make purchases with their credit cards, or access their social media profiles to ask friends and family for money.
How does the scam work?
An example of a scam currently in circulation is an advertisement offering for sale a booklet called “Clean Name Guide”, supposedly filled with information about the “Desenrola” program. The advertisement asks users to share their data and make a payment for the booklet.
Other advertisements promise CPF checks or special conditions for settling debts and clearing one’s name, redirecting victims to links to fake chats that request personal data.
Scammers also use popular platforms, such as YouTube, to spread their schemes. They invest in advertisements to appear at the top of search results, increasing visibility and the likelihood of attracting more victims.
What does the government say about the “Desenrola” scam?
The Ministry of Finance warns that all negotiations under the “Desenrola” program take place directly with the customer’s bank and, in the future, through the program’s official platform. Interested individuals should access the “Desenrola” program directly, without intermediaries.
What do companies say about the scam?
The Brazilian Federation of Banks (Febraban) also warns about possible scams related to the “Desenrola” program. Febraban advises citizens interested in renegotiating debts to seek information only through the official channels of the banks participating in the program.
How can you protect yourself from the “Desenrola” scam?
To protect yourself against the scam, it is crucial to follow a few guidelines:
- Always check the source of the information. Be suspicious of messages and advertisements that promise overly tempting benefits.
- Do not click on suspicious links or provide your personal data without first verifying the source’s authenticity.
- If in doubt, contact your bank or consult the program’s official “Desenrola” platform.
Avoid intermediaries. The first phase will target people with a monthly income of up to R$ 20,000 and debts with banks and financial institutions.
Who can benefit from the “Desenrola” program?
The “Desenrola” program is divided into two phases:
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- The first phase targets people with a monthly income of up to R$ 20,000 and debts with banks and financial institutions. Renegotiation must take place directly with the bank.
- The second phase, which will begin in September, will be intended for people with a monthly income of up to two minimum wages or registered with CadÚnico. The renegotiation will take place through an exclusive program platform.
It is crucial to remain vigilant and informed so as not to fall victim to the “Desenrola” scam on WhatsApp. Always remember to check the information received and seek information only from official sources.
