Latest news and stories about scams in Portugal for expats and residents.
Portugal faces criticism for its vulnerability to spam and online scams, prompting calls from Anacom, the Cybersecurity Alliance, and Deco for legislative reform and enhanced consumer protection measures.
The Coimbra DIAP indictment describes an organised structure for committing crimes and money laundering.
The CMTV commentator says that scams are a growing phenomenon and that people should report them to the Judiciary Police.
Suspects would position themselves behind cars as victims reversed to leave a parking space and simulate being hit. They would then claim 'damage to their mobile phone' and demand money as compensation.
Just pick up your mobile phone and inform them that you are going to call the traffic police.
Attackers are using various methods to trick victims into sharing data that compromises the security of their accounts.
The suspects gained thousands of euros from the scams, which occurred mainly in the districts of Porto, Aveiro, and in the Alto Minho region.
In five years, the PSP recorded 853 complaints. In 2025, there was a 78% increase compared to the previous year.
The ruse consists of approaching a driver when they perform a manoeuvre, particularly in large retail areas, demanding an immediate payment through pressure, blackmail, or coercion.
Victims are, particularly, the elderly.
The case involves two separate proceedings for crimes committed in the municipality of Fronteira
Imagine receiving a call from your bank. The voice is familiar, the number is legitimate, and the message is urgent: there is a suspicious transaction on your account and you need to act immediately. The problem is that it is a sophisticated financial scam – the voice was created by artificial intelligence (AI) and...
The accused managed to gain at least 218,000 euros received in cryptocurrency, which they converted through sales.
With the restoration of communications, 'confidence tricks' are making a strong comeback through phone calls, social media, or fake officials.
Security expert Paulo Dias warns of the increase in opportunistic crimes in areas affected by the storm, with fake agents exploiting vulnerable populations. In CNN's Top Story this Thursday, he advises against allowing entry into homes, making payments, and to contact the authorities immediately.
Penela Town Hall asks residents to call the GNR (National Republican Guard) if in doubt.
Storm Kristin caused extensive damage and even brought out scammers... And did the presidential elections take a back seat?
Authorities and the municipality advise the public to take precautions, particularly before opening the door to people who present themselves as technicians whose services they have not contracted.
Following bad weather, the GNR (National Republican Guard), PSP (Public Security Police) and the municipality of Leiria warn residents about scams — fraudsters exploiting the situation with fake repair offers, requests for money or attempts to gain access to homes. Authorities advise verifying identities, not admitting strangers and reporting suspicious behaviour.
The municipal council asked residents not to open their doors or provide personal data, and also urged them not to sign documents or accept alleged service inspections or requests for payment.
The GNR, the PSP and the Municipality of Leiria are warning the public about scams, saying that in reconstruction contexts like the current one following Storm Kristin there may be people impersonating public authorities.
The municipality urges the public to contact the authorities immediately if they suspect anything and to warn neighbours and family members.
The Vila de Rei council, in the Castelo Branco district, warned residents about the possible presence of scammers in the municipality offering help with fake services.
The district commander of the PSP in Leiria said today there are no records of looting or pillaging, warned about scam attempts and urged the public to contact the PSP if they need assistance.
At 02:00, Kristin reports that the PSP (Portuguese Public Security Police) warns the public about fake displays of solidarity intended to deceive people.
The authority “significantly reinforced” its presence at the Leiria District Command following damage caused by the severe weather.
Three victims of online scams have filed criminal complaints at the Judicial Police's headquarters in Lisbon.
Signs include unsolicited messages with investment suggestions encouraging entry into groups.
In this episode, Ana Galvão hosts Ana Sofia Ferreira from DECO Proteste, providing several warnings about a growing issue that is affecting more and more people.
