A 22-year-old woman has been indicted on 15 counts of fraud in connection with an elaborate cell phone sales scheme that allegedly defrauded customers of approximately R$150,000. The case, investigated by police in Contagem within the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte, has unfolded over the past two years.
According to authorities, the suspect initially built trust with customers by offering what appeared to be legitimate cell phones at significantly discounted prices, sometimes as low as half the market value. The devices came with official-looking documentation, including purchase receipts and sales contracts. In the first transaction, buyers would receive their phones without issue, establishing credibility for future dealings.
The scheme allegedly unraveled when repeat customers made additional purchases but never received the promised devices. Police have identified 15 victims so far, though investigators believe the actual number of affected individuals could be substantially higher, potentially spanning multiple states across Brazil.
Investigators revealed the suspect previously operated three physical retail locations in the Eldorado district of Contagem before transitioning her sales operation to online platforms. This digital shift has complicated the investigation and expanded the potential geographic reach of the alleged fraud.
During questioning at the police station, the suspect was accompanied by legal counsel. Despite the indictment, she has not been taken into custody. The charges carry significant penalties under Brazilian law, with standard fraud carrying sentences of one to five years, while electronic fraud qualifies for enhanced penalties of two to eight years imprisonment.
Authorities have filed requests with the court to facilitate the recovery of funds for the victims who lost money in the scheme. The investigation remains ongoing as police work to identify additional victims who may have been targeted through the suspect's online sales operations.
Based on reporting from g1.