Online Safety in Communities in Brazil: what actually matters to know
Short answer
Never trust unsolicited direct messages from individuals claiming to be experts or administrators, as these are often scams. Always verify contacts through official pinned messages and report suspicious activity to designated administrators like Dasha, avoiding any advance payments.
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
Be aware of 'DM recommendation' scams in travel chat groups.
Users often report receiving private messages from individuals 'recommending' service providers (repair, crypto exchange, guides). Always verify experts via official channel pins or pinned messages. Never send money to individuals contacted via private messages who are not verified by the community administration.
✓ 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).