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Social Security impersonation and unauthorized deductions scam : fonctionnement, signaux et que faire

Social engineering · alto

Scammers call, message or even visit claiming to be from the INSS (Brazil's social security). They talk of a "benefit review", "back pay owed", "proof of life" or a "suspended pension".

To "fix it", they ask for personal data, the official app password, ID photos and a selfie, or charge a fee. With that data they can take payroll loans, change the payout account or authorise monthly deductions for associations and services the person never signed up for.

Many victims only notice when the benefit statement shows less money. In the US, the equivalent is the fake Social Security agent claiming your number has been "suspended".

Sinais / Signs

• Unsolicited contact from an "INSS officer" by phone or WhatsApp.
• A fee to release back pay or a review.
• Request for the official app password, a selfie or ID photo.
• Deductions on your statement from associations you don't know.
• Home visit without an official appointment.

Prevenção / Prevention

• Check benefits and deductions only via the official government app or site, typed by you, or the 135 hotline.
• The INSS doesn't charge fees for reviews or releasing payments.
• Never give passwords, codes or selfies to someone who contacted you.
• Check the payment statement every month.
• Block your benefit for payroll loans if you don't plan to borrow.

O que fazer / What to do

• Via the official app or 135, request cancellation of unauthorised deductions and a refund.
• Change your gov.br password and enable two-step verification.
• Call your bank right away using the official number (back of the card or in the app) and ask to block cards, accounts and access.
• File a police report (many Brazilian states accept online reports) and keep screenshots, receipts, numbers and links.
• If a company was involved (store, carrier, lender), file a complaint at Consumidor.gov.br and with Procon.
• In the US, report fake Social Security agents to the FTC (reportfraud.ftc.gov).

FAQ

How do I check for unauthorised INSS deductions?

Open the payment statement in the official INSS app or site and look for deductions you don't recognise. Request cancellation via the app or 135.

Does the INSS call retirees?

Distrust any call asking for data, passwords or payment. If in doubt, hang up and contact the official service yourself.

CERT.br — Cartilha de Segurança para Internet · Consumidor.gov.br · FTC — ReportFraud · FTC — Testimony to the Joint Economic Committee on fraud (2026)