“I lost everything,” she said. “The savings of a lifetime of hard work. Almost 8,000 euros, all because I was tricked.” This was the heartbreaking reality for ‘Maria,’ a name used here to protect her privacy. This woman, over 70 years old, learned a painful lesson. Her story reminds us how quickly hard-earned money can disappear.
It all started with a phone call. The person on the line sounded calm and professional. They told Maria they were from her bank. This was a carefully planned move. They then asked for all her personal information. Maria, trusting the caller, gave them everything they requested. She didn’t think twice.
“They were very nice, very attentive,” Maria shared with Correio da Manhã. “They spoke calmly, just like bank staff. They knew my name, my age, they knew everything.” But then, one request felt off. They asked her to change her personal ATM code. That was the moment Maria started to feel a shiver of doubt. Something just wasn’t right.
Despite the polite manner, that small doubt grew. Hours later, Maria contacted her actual bank. It was already too late. All her money was gone. The funds had vanished, leaving behind only the cold shock of betrayal. Thankfully, this isn’t where the story ends. The Polícia Judiciária found and caught the suspects. The Public Ministry accused them. They were judged and condemned in court, bringing some closure to Maria’s ordeal.