Losses of Rio de Janeiro residents from cell phone scams rise 80% in the first half of 2024

Research carried out by OLXone of the largest online buying and selling platforms in the country, points out that scams in the purchase and sale of cell phones have resulted in estimated loss of R$12.8 million in the first half of 2024, a value 78% higher compared to the same period last year. The main frauds were false payment (65%), account hacking (23%) and false advertisement (12%).

iPhone is the most targeted model

iPhone models were the most targeted by criminals (87%), followed by Samsung (8%) and Motorola (1%).

The capital of Rio de Janeiro has seen a considerable increase in the number of victims of fraud involving cell phones and continues to lead the state ranking, with 59% of incidents, compared to 46.3% in the same period last year. In Campos dos Goytacazes there was an increase from 6.7% to 10.8%. Furthermore, Belford Roxo and Mesquita also registered an increase in these crimes, becoming part of the Top 5 in the occurrence of scams in the state.

From January to June 2024, it is estimated that Brazilians have been injured in the amount of R$ 58.3 million as a result of scams in the purchase and sale of cell phonesa reduction of 37% compared to the same months in 2023. The study analyzed data from the Brazilian digital market, including websites, apps and digital accounts from January to June 2024 and 2023.

To protect yourself from the champion among the most applied scams, known as the false payment scam, experts from the OLX Security area recommend that users only deliver the product after checking, in their bank account, digital wallet or platform, that the amount was deposited. Another tip is to keep negotiation conversations through the platforms’ chats and communication channels and avoid negotiating on messaging apps.

It is also important to carefully check the domain of emails (@nomedaempresa) of communications supposedly sent by companies and check the status of the purchase on the official website or app. When shopping in little-known stores, it is worth researching whether the place actually exists and checking its reputation on the internet.