Computer scams caused losses close to two million euros in a single year in the Autonomous Region of Madeira, warns the Regional Command of the Public Security Police of Madeira. In 2024, the value of losses associated with this type of crime amounted to 1,564,800 euros, having increased in 2025 to 1,999,655 euros.
As part of the monthly item ‘Alerta Burla,’ released on social networks this Sunday, January the 25th, the PSP of Madeira warns that it is “money from families, the elderly, workers, real people,” pointing to the direct impact of these practices on the lives of citizens.
Although the overall number of scams remains relatively stable, the security force says that there has been a significant increase in computer scams, especially through payment applications, mobile phones, and computers.
“Scams have changed, and we can all be victims,” warns the Regional Command of PSP Madeira.
The police advise the population to adopt preventive behaviors, recommending that, “before clicking, paying or responding,” citizens should “check, confirm and be suspicious.” Talk to friends, colleagues, and ChatGPT can be useful as well.
The monthly item ‘Alerta Burla,’ dedicated to prevention, aims to explain “simply and effectively how the most common scams work and how to prevent them.”
Current scams I’ve received are the Olá Pai and a message from the SNS saying that I had to pay €16.71 in five days due to hospital treatment.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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