PF Launches Linha Fantasma Operation Targeting SMS and Phone Banking Scam

Overview

• The Polícia Federal launched Operation Linha Fantasma on Tuesday, June 2, executing three search-and-seizure warrants and two temporary arrest orders in São Paulo and Feira de Santana while making two arrests in flagrante.
• The scheme sent mass SMS messages about supposed purchases and told recipients to call 0800 numbers that routed to fake call centers where victims were induced to give personal and bank credentials or perform actions that allowed account access.
• The probe began after a telephone operator flagged the bulk sending of fraudulent SMS, and the operation drew on information shared through Project Tentáculos, a data-sharing effort between the Federal Police, Febraban and payment institutions.
• Investigators found signs the group used legally registered companies and technology infrastructure to mask fraud and employed fragmented financial movements to impede tracing, and suspects may face charges including electronic fraud, association and money laundering.
• Authorities say financial forensics and further raids are planned to trace stolen funds and identify other participants while banks and telecoms work to block similar mass messages and protect customers.