The Public Security Police (PSP) has used social media to warn of a scam involving fake bank cards sent through the post with personalised letters.
The Bank of Portugal first raised the alarm, explaining that the letters include the recipient’s name, address and the name of their genuine bank to make the correspondence appear credible.
The letters claim that the recipient’s account will be blocked unless the “new card” is activated immediately. They then direct the recipient to follow a link or scan a QR code.
Anyone following these instructions is taken to a fraudulent website designed to steal their banking credentials and money.
The PSP advises recipients to:
- Be wary of threats and urgent demands. Banks do not require immediate card activation under threat of blocking an account.
- Avoid using any links, contact details or QR codes provided in suspicious correspondence.
- Activate genuine cards only through their bank’s authorised channels, such as an ATM, official online banking service or official banking app.
Anyone uncertain about a letter or card should contact their bank directly, using independently verified contact details.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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