Lawmaker calls for deeper look into fraud case trends

Lawmaker José Pereira Coutinho is calling for authorities to conduct a more in-depth analysis on the factors contributing to the apparent contradiction between the growing number of fraud cases and the high level of awareness among students about computer dangers, as highlighted by a recent survey by the Consumer Council (CC).

In a written statement, Coutinho drew attention to the “discrepancy” between the data presented by the CC and the reality of the increasing number of fraud cases affecting young people.

The CC’s survey found that 93% of secondary school students stated they usually view comments from other customers before making online purchases to avoid being deceived.

The survey also found that 81% of respondents had already shopped online, with 13% purchasing products online as early as primary school.

Coutinho believes that “a more in-depth analysis must be carried out by the authorities to understand the factors underlying this apparently contradictory reality,” proposing “effective solutions to protect young people against fraud and scams, despite the supposed ‘high awareness’ about consumer rights.”

The lawmaker highlighted, for example, the CC survey, which concluded that “the majority of respondents demonstrate ‘a high awareness of the defense of consumer and consumer rights’.”

However, Coutinho noted the report also highlights a “worrying scenario” with the increase in cases of computer fraud that increasingly affects young people in secondary schools.

In the first quarter of this year alone, according to the CC survey, “there were 96 telephone frauds, which targeted 40 students,” resulting in “losses of tens of millions of yuan.” In this case, the victims “demonstrated ‘a low awareness of their civic rights’.”

Coutinho understood, therefore, that “the challenges of prevention and protection still remain significant, because, despite greater awareness of rights, consumers are still largely vulnerable to online fraud schemes.”

He believed authorities “face increased difficulties in monitoring the evolution of criminal methods and providing effective responses, so education and awareness campaigns on digital security need to be intensified to empower consumers.”

He would like to see “the social, educational and technological factors that may be contributing to this discrepancy between perception and reality” investigated.

He argued that authorities need to provide “effective solutions to protect young people against fraud and scams, despite the supposed ‘high awareness’ about consumer rights.”

Coutinho’s call for a more in-depth analysis by the authorities comes as the CC’s survey findings seem to contradict the reality of the increasing number of fraud cases affecting young people.

The lawmaker believes that understanding the underlying factors and strengthening education and awareness campaigns on digital security are crucial to empowering consumers and addressing this “worrying scenario.” Victoria Chan