From: inteligencialtda
Marcelo, a figure known for his past adventures, now dedicates his efforts to combating fraud, leveraging his unique experiences to provide insights into modern security challenges [00:55:12]. His current work involves lecturing and consulting, particularly for banks, on how to prevent fraudulent activities [00:55:16].
Technology: A Double-Edged Sword
While technology has brought significant advancements, it has also inadvertently simplified the process for scammers [00:55:25]. Marcelo emphasizes that it is now “much easier, much easier, much easier” to become a victim of scams [00:57:22]. His current focus is on staying “a step ahead” to protect his clients on various platforms [00:55:28].
How Technology Facilitates Fraud
Modern technology enables fraudsters to execute complex scams with relative ease [00:55:25]. Scammers can hack into personal data, gaining access to sensitive information [00:56:22]. For instance, they can use an individual’s data to navigate platforms, access personal panels, and obtain information from sites like Serasa [00:56:26]. This allows them to:
- Change addresses and phone numbers [00:56:41].
- Apply for credit cards in the victim’s name and CPF [00:56:45].
- Utilize high credit scores to acquire cards, which are then used by the perpetrator [00:56:49].
Although mechanisms exist to prove non-involvement in such fraudulent activities, the process can still lead to financial harm for individuals and institutions [00:56:59].
High-Profile Examples
A notable example cited is the individual who hacked into Neymar’s bank account, successfully transferring 200,000 reais [00:58:01]. The hacker justified his actions by stating the bank’s system was “faulty” and that Neymar’s account was deactivated through this flaw [00:58:44]. He claimed the bank was at fault for the vulnerability, not him, and had already used the money to improve his mother’s house [00:59:04].
Strategies for Prevention
Marcelo now shares tips on how not to fall for scams through his official social media channels, “Marcelo VIPS official,” newly created for the relaunch of his book [00:55:54].
A timeless piece of advice for avoiding scams:
“When the alms are too much” [01:21:22] or “When something is free, it doesn’t exist” [01:21:29].
This implies caution when offers seem too good to be true. He recounts advising someone not to give out personal information for a promised free iPhone unless they received the iPhone first, as it is highly likely it would never materialize [01:21:40].
The Evolution of Fraud
According to Marcelo, the kind of elaborate scams he pulled off in the past would be “unthinkable” today due to technological advancements and readily available information [01:34:33]. For example, claiming to be the son of the owner of Gol airlines would be immediately debunked by a quick internet search [01:34:40]. He also notes that obtaining a fake passport or forged documents is significantly more complicated now than it was in the past [01:11:13].
Aviation and Automation
Marcelo also points out a specific instance related to aviation where technology played a role in an accident. He was consulted about a plane crash involving Mariana Caltabiano’s relatives [01:16:36]. While in jail, he studied aviation and had access to the black box transcript [01:16:54]. He understood that the Airbus model had a “Fly Direct” problem, where pilots become “hostages to automation” [01:17:10]. This means the equipment misinterprets actions, leading to errors. In this particular accident, the automation misunderstood a climb as a descent, activating the reverse gear, leading to the crash [01:17:56]. He argues that often, in such accidents, blame is incorrectly placed on the pilot rather than on machine problems [01:18:19].