Elderly man from Minas Gerais loses R$32,000 in scam using fake Juliana Paes profile

An elderly resident of Pocrane, in the interior of Minas Gerais, lost R$32,000 after falling victim to a virtual scam. Criminals created a fake profile using photos of actress Juliana Paes to simulate a romantic relationship. The case lasted around three months and involved bank transfers via Pix.

The fraud began with affective messages sent through social networks. The scammers promised face-to-face meetings and requested financial help for supposed emergencies. The victim made successive deposits until the family identified suspicious movements in the account.

Authorities filed a police report following a complaint from family members. The Civil Police investigate the profile as part of schemes specializing in romantic fraud.

Fake profile and promises

Criminals manipulated images of the actress to construct a convincing identity. They sent daily messages with declarations of affection.

The victim believed in a serious relationship and planned future meetings. Requests for money appeared under pretexts such as health problems or travel.

Transfers via Pix

Deposits were made in fractional amounts to avoid bank alerts. The total sum reached R$32 thousand in three months.

• First transfer: R$5,000 for “emergency aid”.
• Monday: R$8,000 claiming medical debt.
• Others: smaller installmentsuntil you complete the amount.

Relatives noticed unusual looting and confronted the elderly man. He revealed the alleged relationship by showing conversations.

Police investigation

The Civil Police confirmed an operation by a group specializing in online scams. Fake profiles use photos of celebrities to lure vulnerable victims.

Agents analyze transactions to identify receiving accounts. Similar cases have increased in Minas Gerais in recent years.

Delegates guide identity verification in virtual contacts. Reports help block fraudulent profiles quickly.

Discovered by family

Relatives observed bank statements with frequent withdrawals. Conversations on the elderly man’s cell phone exposed the fake profile.

The victim, initially reluctant, agreed to register a report. Family members accompany the investigative process.

Scammers’ modus operandi

Criminals begin contacts on messaging platforms or social networks. They build trust with personal stories tailored to the victim.

Financial requests gradually escalate after gaining empathy. Using Pix facilitates immediate and difficult-to-track transfers.

Statistics indicate that romance fraud mainly affects people over 60. Annual losses exceed hundreds of thousands of reais across the country.

Banks implement alerts for suspicious transactions in elderly accounts. Educational campaigns reinforce the risks of virtual relationships with strangers.

Preventative measures adopted

Authorities recommend checking profiles through official sources. Celebrities like Juliana Paes don’t maintain random personal contacts online.

• Check authentication seals on celebrity profiles.
• Prevent transfers to recent contacts.
• Consult family members before making financial payments.
• Report suspicious profiles to platforms.

Resolved cases involve blocking accounts and partial refunds. Federal investigations combat international networks of scammers.