Retail segment was the hardest hit with an increase of 74.1% in cases
Attempts of financial scams continue to grow in Brazil, according to a survey carried out by Serasa Experian. The data indicate that during the month of March 2022, 389,788 fraud attempts were recorded. In the same period last year, 327,843 cases were reported, which represents an increase of 18.9% in the total number. This means that every 7 seconds a Brazilian is a victim of fraudsters. Check the complete data in the chart below.
The segment with the highest growth in the activity of scammers is Retail. The numbers show a rise of 74.1% in fraud attempts. Only in March of this year there were 32,214 thousand cases. In 2021, records point to 18,501 attempts. The main reason for the increase is that in the same period last year, physical stores were closed due to the moment of the covid-19 pandemic. With the reopening, the blows increased. The Financials segment is the second largest growth, with an increase of 21.9%. Fraud attempts increased by 20.5% in the Banks and Cards segment, and the Services segment increased by 5.8%. The only sector that registered a reduction in attempts was Telephony, with a drop of 28.3%.
Regarding the age group, the most significant increase in fraud attempts was among young people up to 25 years old. The increase was 20.6% compared to March last year. Close behind are people aged 26 to 35, where the recorded high was 19.5%. Consumers between 36 and 50 years old suffer 18.8% more attempts than in the same period in 2022. Between 51 and 60 years old, the difference was 18%. People over 60, on the other hand, face a 17.2% increase in attempted scams.
According to the Head of Identity Verification Products and Fraud Prevention at Serasa Experian, Caio Rocha, taking care of the consumer himself in sharing data and interacting with companies is one of the most effective ways to avoid scams. “Coup attempts will continue to occur. Mechanisms to contain fraud are constantly evolving, but scammers at the same frequency and speed are looking for new ways to commit their crimes. Therefore, it is essential that the consumer is very careful when sharing their information.”
The study showed that the region with the highest increase in attempts was the Northeast, with a high of 20.4%. Then comes the North region, with an increase of 19.9%. The Southeast region recorded an increase of 19.4% while the Center-West had an increase of 17.5%. The smallest increase was in the South, with 16.1% plus coup attempts.
To check more information and the historical series of the indicator, click here.
