Combating Online Scams: how it works in Brazil — first-hand
Short answer
Avoid all unsolicited private messages offering services or financial exchanges, as these are fraudulent scams. Always verify contacts through official pinned messages or community administrators and never provide personal information or advance payments to unverified individuals.
From real experience
Be cautious of individuals contacting you via private messages offering services; these are often scammers.
Forward any suspicious messages to a designated contact (e.g., 'Dasha') for verification. 'Dasha' will not initiate contact or provide recommendations. Any unsolicited message claiming to be from administration or experts, or promoting services, should be considered fraudulent. Block such accounts immediately and never make advance payments. Adhering to safety guidelines is crucial.
✓ 1 report from chats
Be cautious of unsolicited DMs in travel or expat groups.
Scammers often use local context (airport pickups, document assistance) to solicit advance payments in cryptocurrency. Always verify contacts through official channel 'pinned' messages. Report suspicious accounts to channel administrators immediately. Do not share personal information or make payments to unverified individuals.
✓ 1 report from chats
Beware of P2P scams in travel chat groups.
Users requesting small payments (e.g., PIX transfers) in exchange for bank transfers are highly likely to be fraudulent. Never provide personal data or funds to individuals contacting you privately.
✓ 1 report from chats
If a user is contacted in private messages first by someone claiming to provide services (documentation, money exchange, etc.), it is almost certainly a scam.
Verify experts only through official community 'pinned' messages or directly by contacting the assigned administrators. Never transfer money before verification.
✓ 1 report from chats
Safety protocol for community users: never trust unsolicited direct messages from accounts claiming to be administration or experts.
Never pay in advance. Verify suspicious contacts by forwarding messages to the designated community administrator (Dasha).