CNPF warns citizens not to install apps sent by fraudsters posing as phone operators
The National Commission for Financial Markets (CNPF) is warning citizens about a rise in fraud involving the remote control of their phones via messaging applications. The organization advises people not to install any applications that are requested via messages or phone calls. Additionally, it urges individuals to end any suspicious conversations immediately.
The CNPF is reporting a new and growing fraud scheme in which victims are contacted via messaging apps by individuals posing as employees of mobile phone operators. According to the institution, "victims are contacted via messaging apps (WhatsApp, Viber, etc.) by people claiming to be mobile phone operators."
The scammers use various pretexts to encourage their targets to act immediately. The statement indicates that they invoke reasons such as "optimization or improvement of services," "providing urgent technical assistance," "mandatory security checks," or threats of account blocking. Under these justifications, victims are asked to change their phone settings or install a technical support application, which is actually a remote access tool.
The CNPF warns that once these instructions are followed, "scammers gain complete and remote control of the mobile device." Consequently, the criminals can access banking applications, saved passwords, messages needed for authentication codes, as well as personal data and contacts. This allows them to carry out unauthorized transactions and withdraw funds from the victim's accounts, as stated in the institution's press release.
To prevent such fraud, the CNPF advises the public not to install any applications requested during these calls, emphasizing that "no institution (bank, telephone operator, public authority) will ask you to install remote control applications to resolve issues." The CNPF also urges citizens to "end the call immediately" if they receive suspicious requests and to verify any information by contacting the telephone operator or bank using the official number, not the one from which they were contacted.
People are reminded not to share PIN codes, passwords, or OTP codes with anyone. If the control of a phone has already been compromised, the CNPF recommends "immediately removing the SIM card from the phone, checking the balances at the bank, and notifying both your bank and the police."
The institution concludes its warning with a call for vigilance: "Be vigilant and do not give anyone access to your data or devices!"
