Paraíba leads Brazil with lowest fraud crime rate, public security report shows
The Brazilian state of Paraíba recorded the lowest rate of fraud crimes in Brazil between 2024 and 2025, according to the 2026 Brazilian Public Security Yearbook. The state reported approximately 250 fraud cases per 100,000 inhabitants, significantly lower than the national average of 1,059.43 cases per 100,000 people during the same period. The yearbook defines fraud to include both traditional and digital offenses, where individuals are deceived for illicit gain, causing financial harm. The report also highlights a connection between fraud and mobile phone-related crimes, such as theft and robbery, as these devices provide access to banking apps, social media, and personal data. In contrast, mobile phone theft in Paraíba surged by 51% from 2024 to 2025, increasing from 3,174 to 4,799 incidents, raising the rate from 76 to 115 per 100,000 inhabitants. While phone thefts rose, phone robberies decreased by 23.3% in the same period, with 1,598 incidents in 2025 compared to 2,082 in 2024. Overall, Paraíba documented 6,397 mobile phone theft and robbery cases in 2025. The yearbook also noted record high femicides nationwide, with an average of four women killed daily, despite an overall decrease in violent homicides to the lowest point since 2012. Other forms of violence against women, including psychological abuse, stalking, and non-compliance with protective measures, also saw increases.
The reported low fraud rate in Paraíba, contrasted with a significant increase in mobile phone theft, suggests a complex interplay between different crime categories and potentially evolving criminal methodologies. The yearbook's finding that fraud is linked to mobile phone crimes indicates that device security and user data protection are critical factors in preventing financial scams. As digital fraud becomes more sophisticated, law enforcement and technology providers face the ongoing challenge of adapting security measures. The data prompts consideration of whether advancements in digital security for mobile devices could indirectly mitigate fraud, while also highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address the rise in phone theft, which may be driven by factors such as the black market for stolen devices and their components. This trend underscores the importance of a multi-faceted approach to public safety that addresses both traditional and emerging forms of crime.
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