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Messages with urgent requests, unknown numbers, and Pix transfers are being used to deceive parents, grandparents, and the elderly in increasingly frequent scams.
A simple, fast, and emotional scam has once again worried Brazilian families in recent months, especially due to the increase in digital fraud involving WhatsApp.
Criminals have started using messages like “mom, I changed my number”, “dad, my phone broke” or “I need urgent help” to convince victims to make Pix transfers.
The strategy uses affection, concern, and psychological pressure to prevent the person from confirming the identity of the supposed family member.
Furthermore, parents, grandparents, and the elderly are among the main targets of this type of approach.
According to guidelines released by Febraban and WhatsApp throughout 2025, the scam continues to grow precisely because it exploits emotional trust and a sense of urgency.
Emotional messages accelerate the scam and reduce distrust
The scam usually starts with a seemingly common conversation.
First, the criminal informs that they changed their number or lost access to their old phone.
After that, they create an emergency situation involving a bank account, bill, medicine purchase, or urgent payment.
Thus, the scammer tries to prevent any verification.
Meanwhile, the victim believes they are helping someone close to the family.
In many cases, the request involves a Pix key in the name of third parties, which further increases the risk of fraud.
According to Febraban, criminals use emotional pressure precisely to accelerate decisions and reduce the victim’s rational analysis.
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Signs of the scam begin to appear during the conversation
Although the conversation seems convincing, some signs usually indicate an attempt at fraud.
Still, emotional involvement often causes the victim to ignore the initial warnings.
Among the main signs are:
• Unknown number contacting unexpectedly;
• Urgent requests for money via Pix;
• Refusal for video or audio calls;
• Quick excuses for not answering calls;
• Pix key registered in the name of third parties;
• Insistent messages with an emotional pressure tone.
Criminals often show irritation when the victim tries to confirm information.
Therefore, experts advise that no transfer should be made without direct confirmation.
Simple confirmation can prevent financial losses
Before any money transfer, it is recommended to contact the old number.
Video calls, audio messages, and personal questions help confirm the true identity.
Many families have also started creating keywords for emergency situations.
This combination acts as an extra layer of protection.
Thus, the simple habit of confirming information significantly reduces the risk of the scam.
According to recommendations released by Anatel in October 2025, the elderly should receive preventive guidance on digital scams involving messaging applications.
The entity recommends limiting profile photos, messages, and status updates only to known contacts.
Quick contact with the bank can help after the scam
If the money has already been sent, the advice is to immediately contact the bank responsible for the transfer.
In Pix operations, financial institutions can activate the Special Refund Mechanism, created by the Central Bank for cases of fraud.
In addition, the victim should report the number directly on WhatsApp and file a police report.
The quicker the reaction, the greater the chances of blocking the recipient’s account or preserving the information used by the criminals.
Families reinforce prevention amidst the increase in digital fraud
Currently, experts believe that the best protection remains preventive conversation within the home.
Parents, grandparents, and the elderly need to be educated about unexpected money requests sent by unknown numbers.
Family members should agree that no transfer will be made without a prior call.
This simple practice reduces risks and strengthens digital security within the family itself.
After all, confirming information does not represent distrust, but rather caution in the face of increasingly sophisticated scams.
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