The Food and Economic Safety Authority (ASAE) issued a warning on Tuesday about individuals impersonating inspectors and carrying out scams in the Vizela municipality in the Minho region.
The agency reported that these fake inspectors notify targets about a supposed infringement and demand immediate payment of a fine via bank transfer or ATM reference, claiming that there will be a subsequent closure of the establishment.
“These are fraudulent attempts to gain illegitimate benefits by usurping the powers and functions of an authority, and economic operators should under no circumstances follow such instructions,” stated a note released on the social media platform Facebook.
The Tasca da Porta in São Miguel das Caldas was reportedly targeted by this scam last week.
After being detained, the individual “was taken to court for questioning.”
Notícias ao Minuto | 17:19 – 15/01/2025
Deolindo Cunha, the establishment’s owner, reported that the fake inspector called during lunch hours but hung up when Cunha’s wife claimed to recognize his voice.
The scammer uses disposable mobile phone cards and threatens business owners with closure for alleged legal non-compliance but offers them the chance to pay the fine in advance via an ATM reference.
Searches of cells revealed scam schemes.
Notícias ao Minuto | 16:25 – 06/06/2022
ASAE emphasized that, regardless of the information communicated, notifications for payment of fines are always conducted according to formal legal requirements, and economic operators should never make direct payment of any amount.
