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One year after the launch of the “Don’t fall for card fraud” campaign, the Portuguese Banking Association (APB) is reaffirming its commitment to preventing fraud and promoting safer behaviour.
Digital fraud is becoming increasingly common in everyday life and can take many forms: a call that appears to be from your bank, an alarming text message, an email offering an unmissable opportunity, an unexpected payment reference, or even a simple QR code.
Although they take different forms, these fraud attempts often use the same strategy: creating a sense of urgency, building trust and prompting us to act without thinking.
The rule is simple: before you act, stop and check.
Arnaldo knows that anyone can fall victim to fraud. That’s why, when he receives a seemingly credible message, he doesn’t let himself be pressured: he pauses, asks questions and checks before sharing any details, clicking on a link or making a payment.
In this second phase of the campaign, Arnaldo is faced with five different scenarios:
Fake calls claiming to be from the bank
A call may seem legitimate and may even mention a suspicious transaction. If you’re asked for card details, security codes or immediate confirmation, be wary. Hang up and contact your bank through the official channels.
Fraudulent text messages containing links
Messages about blocked accounts, outstanding payments or urgent issues may lead to fake websites. Do not rely solely on the sender’s name or number: even if it looks legitimate, do not click on the link, do not try to reply directly, and contact your bank via the official contact details.
Emails and promises of easy money
‘Guaranteed return’, ‘quick profits’ or ‘last chance’ are warning signs. Always verify the organisation’s identity and do not make any transfers or share any details without checking the legitimacy of the offer.
Fake payment references
A message containing the name of the organisation, a reference number and an amount may appear credible. Before making a payment, check whether you were expecting this charge and contact the organisation directly via its official channels.
Fraudulent QR codes
A QR code can also redirect you to a fake page or trigger an unauthorised payment. Before scanning it, check the source of the code and confirm that the destination is secure.
Do not share bank details with unexpected contacts. Do not click on suspicious links. Do not make payments without confirming their source. And, if in any doubt, contact your bank or the organisation in question directly via their official channels.
Don’t fall for fraud. Do as Arnaldo does.
The Portuguese Banking Association (APB) launched, on September 2025, the national awareness campaign ‘Don’t fall for fraud’, with the aim of alerting citizens to the main risks of payment fraud and promoting safer behaviour in everyday life.
The campaign focuses on three particularly common types of fraud:
At the heart of the ‘Don't fall for fraud’ campaign is Arnaldo, a character created to show that we can all be targets of fraud, but also that we can all protect ourselves. At first glance, it seems that Arnaldo is going to fall into the trap. But because he knows fraud well, he doesn't let himself be fooled.
The video conveys a simple and clear message: with information and attention, it is possible to avoid the tricks of those who try to deceive us. Arnaldo reminds us that all it takes is a few small precautions to avoid falling for fraud and keep digital payments secure.