A 44-year-old woman was arrested on Wednesday, September 10, in Matosinhos, on suspicion of several crimes of qualified fraud and money laundering through the fraudulent scheme commonly known as ‘Hello Dad, Hello Mom’, revealed the Judicial Police (PJ) on Thursday, in a statement sent to Notícias ao Minuto.
According to investigators, the investigation found that the suspect was involved in a scheme of sending fraudulent messages where the perpetrator impersonates a child or relative of the victim in an emergency situation to induce them to make bank transfers.
The PJ managed to identify several transfers ordered by the victims, which were sent to the suspect’s bank accounts.
She, in turn, opened and used about 20 accounts to “receive, dissipate and conceal” the fraud money.
According to the PJ, the suspect made more than 30 victims in just one year, between 2022 and 2023. Authorities are currently conducting various procedures to identify the exact extent of the damage caused.
During the searches carried out at the detainee’s home, several computer equipment and other relevant evidence were seized.
The detainee will now be presented for a first judicial interrogation and application of the appropriate coercive measures.
It’s worth noting that over the years, dozens of people have been arrested related to the ‘Hello Mom, Hello Dad’ scam.
This scheme is based on persuasion techniques and the creation of credible narratives, in the name of the victims’ children or relatives, to convince them to make payments.
Authorities recommend not responding to this type of message and contacting children or relatives through the usual number.
