An innocent meme page with thousands of followers on Twitter, attractive offer, profitable and with little explanation: When sending some money via Pix to an unknown broker, the amount is multiplied and refunded within minutes. Simple 30 R$ deposit can guarantee 300 R$ According to the very dubious proposal, we’ll figure it out in a matter of seconds with astronomical appreciation.
The approach is sometimes characterized as: “Pix Vulture”hunts needy victims for quick wins and possibly users’ private data. HE TecMundo explored Scam involving Pix transfers via WhatsApp and gives more information about the case in this report. See how the plan works and check out how to protect yourself.
How was it start?
While not limited to the social network, the scam has gained popularity on Twitter over the past few weeks, often using purchased or sponsored meme pages to promote itself. In general, criminals often work through new profiles and with little ad history.
HE way of working very similar between the various accounts used: a simple text promises exorbitant profits like “R$100 becomes R$1,000”. Another iteration is the probability of sending a “test value”, which is usually smaller – when the “ambush” occurs.
According to Daniel Barbosa, ESET’s information security expert, the scam is not exactly exhaustive and is a social engineering approach. So criminals bet on psychological manipulation to take advantage of victims.
Despite its simplicity and near absurdity, the promise of extra income is appealing to economically fragile internet users, especially in a national context where inflation increasingly depletes the purchasing power of the minimum wage.
Profiles announcing the coup also often use low-resolution and simple-person videos to give the coup a more real tone. The posts also include images and fake transfer receipts of users who allegedly thanked you via WhatsApp.
With elaborate outreach strategies, scams can seem real to people who are desperate for additional income or have no experience with the online world.
How does the Pix’s Vulture gesture work?
Trying to understand how the coup works in practice TecMundo contacted a “Pix Vulture” to negotiate a bargain. As explained earlier, finding an “investment offer” on Twitter was a simple task because several related pages shared the same plan. However, it’s worth noting that while the advertiser accounts remain the same, advertisers change daily.
Communication was made via a link to WhatsApp included in the announcement tweet after hours. However, it didn’t take long for the attendant to return, and he was very polite, albeit brief. According to him, only 5 minutes after the transfer of the basic amount selected by the client, the money would be returned to the original account with interest. To protect the transaction, there is the promise of “total security” with no practical measures or any guarantees offered.
After asking about available packages, the attendant provides a screenshot with the same values presented in the original tweet – this also includes a video of a customer allegedly satisfied, thanking him and assuring the quality of the service. It also offers a “test amount” of R$30 and clarifies that it only works with transfers on Pix, dispensing with other means of payment.
The attendant does not respond after receiving the test amount, but continues to display messages. Wanting to test the depth of impact TecMundo he even offered a much larger imaginary sum on condition that the first transfer be honored. Even if he shows interest, he promises to send the amount due, but soon blocks contact.
So, if you still have doubts about transfer scams over WhatsApp and need some proof, here it is: Pix vulture is not working and your money will be stolenregardless of the amount sent to the criminal.
crime no matter what
In this context, TecMundo highlights the need for implementation. Fraud like “Urubu do Pix” is considered a crimeregardless of the value sent, self-declaring fraudulent – When there is an illegal advantage at the expense of someone who has been deceived by a trick or trick. In the case in question, the criminal’s interest appears to go beyond money as he often asks for proof of payment showing customers’ full name and, in some companies, basic information about bank accounts and CPF numbers.
According to ESET expert Daniel Barbosa, the best way to avoid similar scams is to be suspicious of offers that are “too good to be true” and not interact with links and files sent by strangers. He reinforces: “If that kind of profitability really had anything to do with publicizing it widely, the plan would have collapsed on its own.”
How to recover Pix sent to scammers?
The information security expert explains that it is even possible to recover the values sent to the recipients in such frauds, however, you should prepare a report and immediately contact the bank responsible for the transfer., after the problem is identified. He also explains that since sending amounts is done without the use of coercion, it is technically legitimate – a factor that can complicate the refund process.
Pix Vulture breast
While the reported Pix transfer scam goes unpunished on social media, there are already a few memes that satirize the simplicity of the scheme. On Twitter, the home of Pix Vulture, users share images and creatives with various variations of the “offer”, including “Nubank’s Rooster”, “PayPal’s Mouse” and “PicPay’s Parrot”.
Simply Pix’s Vulture family pic.twitter.com/VTcw6vm0Rh
— Adriano Camacho (@AdrianoCamaccho) 24 June 2022
The popularity of memes is so great that TecMundo to find the real blow. With that in mind, here’s a tip for you: Even though Pix Vulture is the target of many memes, it’s always good to warn your friends, acquaintances and family members with no digital experience of the dangers of investing in WhatsApp.
Source: Tec Mundo
