Until October 31st, the GNR recorded 2,856 cases of computer fraud through the use of applications for immediate money transfer, the Guard said in a note to mark the “Safe Commerce 2025” operation.
In a statement to mark the operation that began on Monday and will continue until December 31, the GNR recalls that last year 3,392 incidents of computer fraud were identified through the use of applications for immediate money transfer, while in 2025, until October 31, there were 2,856 cases recorded.
Already Computer fraud involving illegitimate obtaining of user data totaled 2,651 occurrences in 2024, with 1,926 records recorded up to October 31, 2025.
As part of the operation, the National Republican Guard (GNR) reinforced police patrolling in commercial areas and is carrying out awareness-raising activities among traders and customers with the aim of reminding them of self-protection procedures in situations of theft, robbery, serious threat or vandalism.
“In this way, from ‘Black Friday’ until the end of the Christmas festivities, the GNR reinforces close contact with traders and customers, through foot patrols carried out in commercial spaces in order to enhance effective security and encourage the perception of a feeling of security”, is mentioned in the note.
The GNR indicates that in this edition of Operation “Safe Commerce 2025”, it once again has a partnership with the Energy Services Regulatory Entity (ERSE), and a notebook will be distributed with some advice to traders and customers, alerting them about the safety procedures to be adopted.
The Guard also warns of the growing risks of scams and fraud associated with Black Friday.
“During this period, it is common for fraudsters to attempt deception, who take advantage of the increased demand for offers and discounts to deceive consumers,” is mentioned in the note.
Therefore, the GNR reinforces the importance of prudence and vigilance, warning of the most common fraudulent practices, such as fake websites, overly advantageous offers and the misuse of personal or banking data.
The GNR advises traders to have the entrances and exits of the establishment well lit, check that the doors and windows are properly closed when closing the store, do not have large amounts of cash, do not have a routine for making bank deposits and always have the guard’s telephone contact available.
GNR also advises customers and consumers to be wary of promotions that are “too good to be true”, to only buy from official websites with secure connections (not to provide personal or banking details to entities that do not confirm their legitimacy and to keep proof of purchase.
It also recommends people to keep their wallets and personal belongings under surveillance in busy places and avoid carrying large amounts of money while shopping.