Scams through messaging apps like WhatsApp continue to grow, exploiting victims' urgency, trust, and distraction. The National Cybersecurity Center specifically warns about the scheme known as "Hello, dad... Hello, mom", where the scammer pretends to be a family member, claims to be using a new number, and asks for money to resolve a supposed emergency. European financial supervision authorities warned in February 2026 that the use of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, is making some frauds increasingly difficult to identify.
Among the main warning signs are pressure to act quickly, requests for money through new numbers, and requests for sensitive data. The Bank of Portugal recommends that passwords, home banking access data, confidential codes, or IBAN should never be provided through messages or calls, emphasizing that no banking institution requests this information by phone, email, or SMS. You should also avoid clicking on links from unknown senders and entering personal information on pages whose authenticity has not been confirmed.
The GNR also warns about other schemes, including fraudulent online purchases and sales, electronic payments, fake investment opportunities, and pages that imitate legitimate businesses to obtain money or personal data. Among the recommended precautions are not sharing personal or banking data with strangers, not making financial decisions under pressure, and using only payment methods you are familiar with.
If you have been a victim of a scam, you should immediately contact your banking institution and report the incident to the authorities. The GNR, PSP, Judicial Police, or Public Prosecutor's Office can receive reports in person, and there is also the Electronic Complaint System of the Ministry of Internal Administration for online complaints. It is advisable to keep all messages, phone numbers, links, and screenshots that may help in the investigation.
