Scams involving PIX are increasingly frequent and sophisticated, putting many people’s financial security at risk. According to digital expert Marcelo Nagy, criminals have used victims’ personal data to impersonate them and carry out improper bank transfers. This new scam is generating great concern, as victims often only realize the fraud when they have already suffered financial losses.
The scammers’ strategy involves the use of social engineering, a technique that manipulates people to obtain sensitive information. Initially, criminals obtain data such as full name, CPF, telephone number and even address through data leaks or searches on social networks. With this information, they contact the victim posing as banks, companies or even government agencies, requesting confirmation of data or inducing the installation of malicious applications.
In some cases, fraudsters pretend to be financial institution attendants and report that the user’s bank account has been hacked. Using a convincing speech, they ask the victim to carry out a transaction via PIX to a “safe” account, which actually belongs to the scammers. Another variation of the scam occurs when criminals use the personal data obtained to register the victim’s PIX key in another account, diverting future transfers.
To protect themselves, Marcelo Nagy advises that users never share personal data via phone or messages, especially when the contact is not initiated by them. Furthermore, it is essential to always verify the authenticity of any banking request, contact the bank directly through official channels and activate security measures, such as two-factor authentication in financial applications.
The specialist’s recommendation is to always be suspicious of urgent calls or messages that ask for financial transactions to be carried out. PIX is a safe tool when used correctly, but scams exploit victims’ lack of information and carelessness. Being attentive and well informed is the best way to avoid losses.
If you have already been a victim of this scam or know someone who has been through this situation, report the crime to the competent authorities and contact the bank immediately to try to reverse the problem. Awareness is key to reducing the impact of these frauds and protecting more people against cyber attacks.
