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Pix, the instant payment system of the Central Bank of Brazil, has revolutionized financial transactions in the country. However, along with its popularity, scams involving this payment method have also emerged. It is essential to be aware of the different types of scams and know how to protect yourself to avoid falling into traps.
So, see below what the most common scams are and find out what to do if you find yourself in this situation.
See more: INSS uses new technique to identify fraud; check it out
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Types of Pix scams
WhatsApp Cloning
One of the most common scams involving Pix is WhatsApp cloning. In this scam, criminals clone the victim's WhatsApp number and request transfers via Pix to the person's contacts.
So, to be on the safe side, it is recommended to confirm directly with the person who is supposedly requesting the money and verify the recipient's details. Other security measures include not leaving your phone number public on messaging apps, restricting your profile picture from being displayed to contacts only, and activating two-factor authentication.
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Fake Sale
Another common scam is fake sales, where criminals advertise products on social media or e-commerce platforms and request payment via Pix before sending the product.
To avoid falling for this scam, check the origin of the offer, the seller's comments and the date the profile was created. Always be wary of offers with high financial returns and confirm the recipient's details before making the transfer.
How to protect yourself from Pix scams
See how to protect yourself from Pix scams:
Be careful with personal information
Never provide your personal information or carry out banking transactions over the phone. Bank employees never ask you to confirm or register your personal information over the phone. If you are suspicious, do not provide your information, hang up the call and contact your bank through official channels.
Be aware of suspicious messages
Be careful when receiving emails, SMS and WhatsApp messages. Do not click on suspicious links and always check the sender's email address. Scammers often make small changes to the address so that the consumer does not become suspicious.
Image: Agência Brasil
