The advancement of digital technologies has brought many benefits, but it has also opened the way for new types of crimes. A recent example is the so-called “BIA scam,” which uses the voice of the artificial intelligence of Bradesco, one of the largest financial institutions in Brazil, to deceive customers.
This type of fraud, which has already affected several bank users, shows how criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in using technological resources to commit scams.
The victims are usually older people, but don't be fooled, because young people also have a lot to lose. In fact, reports on social networks, such as X (the new Twitter), show that young people are also being victimized by scams on the app.
What is the BIA Scam in detail and how to identify it?
The BIA scam is a fraud that targets Bradesco bank customers. Using the voice of the bank's virtual assistant, known as BIA (Bradesco Artificial Intelligence), criminals contact victims and inform them about an alleged suspicious transaction in their account.
The goal is to scare the customer into acting impulsively, providing sensitive information or taking actions that compromise the security of their bank account.
When approaching, scammers ask the victim to call a specific number or type a sequence of numbers on their cell phone keypad.
In some cases, they ask the person to confirm that they do not recognize a high-value PIX, which, for many, may seem like a legitimate procedure.
The technology used by criminals is so advanced that the voice used in the calls is not that of a person, but rather an identical reproduction of the voice of BIA, Bradesco's official chatbot.
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How does the intent behind the Coup work?
The scam's modus operandi is based on the trust that customers place in BIA. Since its creation, the virtual assistant has been designed to help Bradesco customers with various transactions, such as checking balances, providing account information and even carrying out financial transactions.
However, scammers took advantage of this technology, which the bank itself announced in August 2023, to create a fraud scenario.
Typically, BIA contacts Bradesco customers through official channels, such as WhatsApp, to confirm the authenticity of transactions that have been retained for security analysis.
However, in the scam, criminals make contact via telephone, which can confuse victims and lead them to believe that they are actually communicating with the bank's virtual assistant.
This type of sophisticated fraud has been reported by several users on the social network X (formerly known as Twitter), where customers share their experiences and warn about the dangers of this new scam.
How to Protect Yourself from the BIA Scam?
The first and most important protective measure is awareness. It is essential that Bradesco customers are aware that the bank never contacts them to request passwords, security key positions, system updates or the download of remote access applications.
If you receive a call that seems suspicious, it is recommended that you hang up immediately and do not provide any personal or banking information.
In addition, Bradesco provides a specific channel for reporting fraud, email evidence@bradesco.com.br. When you suspect an attempted scam, it is crucial that you report it as soon as possible, so that the bank can take the necessary measures and prevent other customers from falling victim to the same fraud.
Another best practice is to stay informed about the bank's security policies. Bradesco regularly updates its customers about new protection measures and possible scam attempts, either through announcements on its official website or through messages sent directly to customers.
The only possible and viable solution for the future
In the current scenario, where technology plays a central role in practically every sphere of life, digital education becomes an essential tool in preventing fraud.
Bank customers, especially those who use artificial intelligence services such as BIA, must be constantly informed about safe technology usage practices.
It is important to remember that scams like BIA are not exclusive to Bradesco. Other banks and financial institutions can also be targeted by criminals who exploit customers’ trust in automated services. Therefore, vigilance and caution should be maintained in all digital financial interactions.
The BIA scam highlights a new level of sophistication in digital crimes, where even advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence can be exploited for illicit purposes.
The best defense against these scams is information and prevention. Customers of Bradesco and other financial institutions should be vigilant and adopt safe practices in all their digital transactions.
Being suspicious of unexpected contacts and never sharing personal or banking information are essential steps to protect yourself against this type of fraud. Bradesco, in turn, continues to reinforce its security policies and encourages reporting of attempted scams, so that it can act quickly and efficiently to protect its customers.
