The Judiciary Police are investigating a new burla scheme that is circulating through WhatsApp and Telegram applications. The burns are presented with false job offers linked to the well-known Booking.com reserve site, maintaining mainly people looking for extra income.
It all starts with a tempting proposal
These messages appear in conversation groups and promise quick payments in exchange for simple tasks, such as putting “tastes” on pages or making small online interactions. At first, the victim even receives one euro for each action, which serves to create confidence and make it seem that everything is legitimate.
Earn confidence and then deceive
According to, after some time doing these simple tasks, the burns come to propose activities that involve investing small amounts, always with the promise of reimbursement and profits. As the victim has previously received money, he feels safe and ends up advanced with higher values.
Pedro Lourenço, from the complaint portal, explains: “First payments are made precisely to give security. When the person starts to trust, they are asked, sometimes near the thousand euros, with even more attractive promises of return.”
However, from a certain point, payments cease to happen and contacts disappear. The victim then realizes that she was fooled, but at that time she has lost a significant amount.
We recommend:
Cases to increase and complaints to grow
Since early 2025, 17 complaints have been made on the complaint portal about this type of scam, adding to more than 50 cases recorded since 2024. These molds mainly affect older people, often renovated or looking for a way to complete the family budget.
Complaint Portal
The complaint portal, despite not having legal powers, plays an important role in disclosing these cases and alerting the population. Pedro Lourenço underlines: “Even if you can’t recover the money, reporting is critical to preventing others from falling into the same mistake.”
Investigation hampered by international action
The judicial police have confirmed that they are investigating the case and has received several complaints in recent weeks. However, it is believed that those responsible operate from Asian countries, which greatly complicates the work of the Portuguese authorities.
“We are talking about organized and headquartered groups abroad, which makes any attempt to investigate or recover the lost values difficult,” warns Pedro Lourenço. In these cases, international cooperation is essential but not always easy.
Always distrust
In a time when the burla schemes become increasingly sophisticated, the best form of protection remains prevention. It is essential to be suspicious of too good proposals to be true, especially when they involve money transfers.
Expert opinion
Experts warn QUENCA if you should send money based on fast profit promises. And whenever there is doubts, it is important to confirm the veracity of the proposals with the competent entities.
The Judicial Police also appeals that all victims submit a complaint, even if the injury has already occurred. Each complaint can help to lock these hammocks and protect others from the same fate. Sharing information and being aware can make all the difference.
Also read:
