Extortion Scam Targeting Belo Horizonte Businesses

Extortion Scam Targets Belo Horizonte Shopkeepers A new extortion scam is targeting shopkeepers in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Scammers are calling businesses and threatening robbery unless they receive a payment. One shopkeeper, who wishes to remain anonymous, described the call: "The man on the phone said he'd been watching my store for five minutes and was about to rob us. But he offered to 'protect' us from other criminals in the area if we paid him." Police have confirmed that several shopkeepers in the Cidade Nova neighborhood have received similar calls. "This is a clear extortion attempt," said a police spokesperson. "We advise all business owners to be vigilant and report any suspicious calls immediately." The police are investigating the scam and urging shopkeepers to report any such incidents. The video serves as a warning to other business owners and highlights the importance of reporting these crimes to prevent further victimization.