The National Republican Guard (Guarda Nacional Republicana or GNR) has warned of an increase in sophisticated scams where criminals impersonate officials from banks, the government, or utility companies. In the first three months of 2026, the GNR recorded 298 such fraud cases, alongside 671 incidents of computer fraud using 'spoofing' techniques. Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant as these criminals increasingly mimic legitimate contact information on victims' mobile devices.
Internet fraud and spoofing scams rising across Portugal
Tuesday, 12 May 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
The GNR (Guarda Nacional Republicana) is Portugal's national gendarmerie—a military police force founded in 1911, with origins dating to 1801. With over 22,600 personnel, GNR patrols 94-96% of Portuguese territory, covering rural areas, medium towns, and highways. Members are military personnel subject to military law, responsible for public order, customs, coastal control, environmental protection (SEPNA), firefighting/rescue (GIPS), border control, and ceremonial guards. GNR vs. PSP: The PSP (Polícia de Segurança Pública) is Portugal's civilian police force, covering major cities (Lisbon, Porto, Faro) and large urban areas—only 4% of territory but roughly half the population. PSP handles airport security, diplomatic protection, and private security regulation. Both share core missions (public order, crime prevention), but differ in nature: GNR is military with military training; PSP is civilian with police-focused training.
