This year, PSP has already received 260 complaints (7 per day) about the “hi dad, hi mom” scam – a scheme based on messages sent primarily via WhatsApp from an unknown number and written by someone pretending to be their son or loved one. a family member asks for money.
Regarding the prevention campaign aimed at raising awareness of the risks associated with the use of new technologies, the PSP emphasizes that “fraud is a growing criminal phenomenon”, lamenting that the “curate’s tale” continues to be an effective way to generate illegal income. the value of other people’s property” despite “greater access to information and a more informed population.”
PSP has already received 368 reports of computer and communications crime this year, 260 of which involve “hi dad, hi mom” scams.
Between 2019 and 2023, police received 48,292 complaints (an average of 26 per day), arrested 55 suspects and identified 1,705 people as perpetrators of this type of crime.
According to PSP, the main victims of various types of fraud continue to be elderly people. However, in recent years, given technological advances and the potential of the digital world, this type of scam has affected other victims.
Crimes are recorded throughout the country, especially in urban areas with higher population densities. PSP is asking potential victims to use voice calls, “the quickest way to detect that they may be the target of a scam attempt.”
Author: Manuela Guerreiro
Source: CM Jornal
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