The GNR recorded 1,779 fraud crimes in the Porto district during the first half of 2026, with May concentrating the highest number of cases. Given the increasing sophistication of these crimes, the Porto Territorial Command carried out a community policing operation to alert the population and strengthen prevention.
The action took place in a decentralized manner throughout the district, through direct contact with the population, with special attention to the methods used by fraudsters, such as immediate payment requests, money transfers, or attempts to obtain banking data and access codes. The age group of 41 to 64 was identified as the most represented among victims.
The GNR warned that the growing use of digital means and the constant adaptation of methods used by offenders require greater attention from citizens. The security force advised being wary of contacts that pressure for urgent payments or request personal, banking, or access code data.
If in doubt, no payment should be made nor information provided before the identity and legitimacy of the interlocutor has been confirmed. The GNR also recommended collecting and preserving information, such as messages and contacts related to the approach, to stop the fraud and assist the investigation. If faced with a suspicious situation or a completed fraud, the recommendation is to immediately contact the authorities or file a report at the nearest territorial station.
