The Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM) warned about the growth of fraud and scam situations associated with supposed investments in the capital market, promoted through unsolicited contacts and misleading online advertising campaigns. The scammers use multiple communication channels, including phone, SMS, WhatsApp, email, and social media such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, to establish trust relationships with potential victims, taking advantage of their lack of information or experience in financial matters.
The offers presented are frequently very attractive, with promises of high or guaranteed returns and no risk, and the fraudsters seek to convey an image of credibility by using technical language. Among the warning signs identified by CMVM are the pressure for a quick decision without the possibility of consulting family members, friends, or professionals, and attempts to distance the victim from people who may alert them to the possibility of fraud.
CMVM also warns about the existence of advertising campaigns with videos, news, and other false content that abusively use the name and image of public personalities or recognized institutions. The use of new technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, is facilitating the spread of these schemes, so the entity emphasizes that it never contacts investors through the WhatsApp application and that its contacts are exclusively made through senders with the @cmvm.pt domain.
When encountering a suspicious contact, CMVM recommends not downloading attachments, accessing links, or allowing remote access to the device, nor providing banking credentials or personal data. Before investing, investors should verify whether the entity is authorized to operate in Portugal through the list of authorized financial intermediaries. In case of fraudulent contacts, they can contact the Investor Support Line through the number 800 205 339 or by email [email protected].
