Beware! Criminals Use Postal Service to Execute New Scam That Is Causing Despair Among Many Brazilians

Written by Alisson Ficher

Published on 02/08/2024 at 12:03

Updated on 02/08/2024 at 12:09

Novo golpe dos Correios utiliza falsa taxa de importação para roubar consumidores. Saiba como evitar ser vítima dessa fraude. (Imagem: reprodução)

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Scammers Are Posing as Postal Services to Charge a Fake Fee. Authorities Warn About Using Official Apps and Checking Reliable Addresses to Avoid Losses.

Amid the increase in online shopping, a new scam has been alarming Brazilians. Have you ever imagined receiving a message from the Postal Service saying that your package was taxed and requires payment to be released? This new type of scam, known as the “little shirts fee,” has been causing despair and financial losses to many people.

In the scam, victims receive a text message that appears legitimate, informing them about a supposed import fee and a link for more information.

However, when clicking on the link, consumers are redirected to a fake website that mimics the Postal Service’s site. There, they are asked to pay the “fee” via Pix, which results in the theft of their money.

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How Not to Fall for the “Little Shirts Fee” Scam

To avoid falling into this trap, the Postal Service and the Ministry of Communications have issued a warning: “If you often shop online and receive messages about customs fees, be warned! These messages are fraudulent.”

They advise never to click on suspicious links received via SMS or WhatsApp, as these links lead to fake pages. “Protect yourself: use the official Postal Service app to check the status of packages and fees,” recommend the authorities.

The official Postal Service app is available for download on Android and iOS devices. The reliable link to access information about your packages is https://www.correios.com.br/. Avoid clicking on any links sent via text messages or instant messaging apps.

Understand the “Little Shirts Fee”

The “little shirts fee” officially came into effect on August 1st and imposes a 20% import tax on purchases up to US$ 50, in addition to state ICMS.

This fee applies to companies that have joined the federal government’s program, Remessa Conforme, such as Shein and Shopee. For companies outside the program, the fee rises to 60%, plus ICMS.

For companies participating in Remessa Conforme, the fee is included in the price paid by the consumer on the shopping site. For those that do not participate, payment must be made on the Postal Service’s website or the courier companies responsible for delivery.

The Role of the Federal Revenue Service and the Postal Service

Neither the Postal Service nor the Federal Revenue Service contacts consumers via SMS or WhatsApp to collect payments. To protect themselves against scams, the Federal Revenue Service provides a list of official addresses to track packages on major online shopping sites:

3Cliques
AliExpress
Amazon
Importei USA
Magazine Luiza
Mercado Livre
Puritan
Shein
Shopee
Sinerlog
Temu

With the tracking code, usually provided by the companies where the purchase was made, it is possible to track the package’s journey on the official Postal Service website: https://rastreamento.correios.com.br/app/index.php.

Be Alert for Signs of a Scam

Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and the messages they send can seem very convincing. According to the authorities, some tips to protect yourself include:

Always check the sender of messages. Be suspicious of unknown numbers.
Do not click on links sent via SMS or WhatsApp. Always access official websites directly through your browser.
Use official apps to track your packages.
Never make payments via Pix to release packages. Legitimate companies do not use this method for charges.

And you, have you ever received a suspicious message about import fees? How do you protect yourself against these scams? Leave your comment below!

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Beware! Criminals Use Postal Service to Execute New Scam That Is Causing Despair Among Many Brazilians

Scammers Are Posing as Postal Services to Charge a Fake Fee. Authorities Warn About Using Official Apps and Checking Reliable Addresses to Avoid Losses.

How Not to Fall for the “Little Shirts Fee” Scam

Understand the “Little Shirts Fee”

The Role of the Federal Revenue Service and the Postal Service

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Scammers Are Posing as Postal Services to Charge a Fake Fee. Authorities Warn About Using Official Apps and Checking Reliable Addresses to Avoid Losses.

How Not to Fall for the “Little Shirts Fee” Scam

Understand the “Little Shirts Fee”

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