Latest news and stories about fraud prevention in Portugal for expats and residents.
Four public entities have withdrawn from an anti-fraud think tank focused on European funds, including the Inspectorate-General of Finance and the Prosecutor-General's Office.
Report indicates a significant rise in computer security breaches across the country during the year 2025.
A security breach confirmed by Booking.com last Monday exposed customer booking data, including names, stay dates, addresses, and phone numbers, increasing the likelihood of creating fraud schemes that are difficult to detect and have a potential direct impact on insurers and travellers, as reported by Insurance Business Magazine.
The couple told victims they could 'legalise and transport' vehicles that had been seized in Germany.
Receiving money 'by mistake' via MB Way may seem harmless, but it could be making the targets unwitting accomplices in a money laundering scheme.
RULE NUMBER 1: DO NOT RETURN THE MONEY IMMEDIATELY (there are four other essential rules). The scheme involves money laundering.
The fraudster contacted online sellers and promised quick payments via MBWay. He convinced victims to activate the app and provide their secret code, then transferred thousands of euros to his personal account.
Criminal activity has intensified in recent months, with a particular focus on the municipalities of Leiria, Marinha Grande, Figueira da Foz, and Coimbra.
Third part of 'Investigação CM' this Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
Pre-filled carts, fake timers, and hidden fees are among the practices reported by an inspection of 314 online stores in 25 countries coordinated by the EU. Portugal participated.
The defendants were unemployed and set up scams using the 'hello dad, hello mom' scheme. They possessed over 12,000 mobile phone SIM cards.
The Tax and Customs Authority warns that fraudulent email and mobile messages are circulating in the name of the tax office, demanding tax regularisations and announcing the allocation of refunds.
The Insurance and Pension Funds Supervisory Authority (ASF) and the Directorate-General for Consumer Affairs (DGC) have recently launched the 'Practical Guide for the Elderly Consumer – Special Edition on Insurance and Pension Funds', aimed at supporting the management of insurance, savings, and fraud prevention. This was another initiative by the insurance regulator.
The IGF, the Portuguese state service with audit and anti-fraud coordination functions in the area of European funds, was accused of a lack of cooperation and of transmitting incorrect information to the European Union. The Ministry of Finance says that the IGF left the group created by the Public Prosecutor's Office because it does not agree with the criteria and intervention methodologies recently adopted by it.
A study shows that only 6.6% of students demonstrated “top-tier knowledge”, yet 74% of those without basic knowledge exhibit “overconfidence”.
Interpol states that this crime is among the top global criminal threats.
This week's 'Doa a Quem Doer' exposes two online scams: orders that are never delivered and a fake fundraising appeal.
Currently, it is the most reported type of crime in Portugal and one of the most difficult to detect.
The webpage provides a roundup of recent news related to Portugal, including political, social, and sports updates. Key highlights include: - Political developments within the Socialist Party (PS), where militants are voting to re-elect Carneiro as secretary-general. - A legal case in Beja involving the trial of an exploitation of immigrants. - A debate among Sporting CP's officials, Bruno Sá and Frederico Varandas, ahead of upcoming elections. - A warning about a sophisticated bank scam involving fake calls. - Portugal's participation in EuroDreams, with prizes of 724 euros, despite a lack of participants. - Reactions from Benfica to an unfair decision against Mourinho in a recent match. Additionally, there are international updates, such as the ongoing Ukraine conflict, and other human interest stories like Meghan Markle's surprise hospital visit in Los Angeles.
The growing sophistication of these crimes, which include fraudulent calls, deceptive payment schemes, and fake platforms, is causing considerable economic losses and affecting confidence in the Portuguese digital economy.
The owner of Facebook and Instagram has announced new measures to stop fraudulent schemes and protect those who use the company's networks, using new alerts and advertiser verification.
Man reports 'Hello Dad, Hello Mom' scam to the Judicial Police. The victim agreed to make three ATM payments.
In the financial sector, preventing digital fraud is not an option but a strategic imperative.
The Commission to Combat Fraud in the SNS is still awaiting the formal appointment of the permanent members who will make up the team before it can start work. Email addresses and a reporting channel for complaints are also missing.
