Brazil Scams: PIX Fraud, Online & Investment Scam Guide
Common scams in Brazil and how to report via SaferNet, consumidor.gov.br, and your bank.
Emergency number: 190 (police), 192 (emergency) — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Brazil faces high rates of financial fraud linked to PIX (the instant payment system), phishing impersonating banks, WhatsApp account hijacking, investment scams, and social engineering calls. PIX's instant, irreversible transfers make speed critical — reporting suspected fraud to your bank within minutes gives the best chance of flagging or freezing a transaction. SaferNet Brasil operates a national cybercrime reporting centre (safernet.org.br), while the Consumidor.gov.br platform handles consumer complaints. The Federal Police (Polícia Federal) investigates major financial and cybercrime. Brazil's emergency number is 190 for police.
Common scams
- PIX fraud — social engineering to authorise instant transfers
- WhatsApp account hijacking and impersonation of contacts
- Phishing impersonating major Brazilian banks (Bradesco, Itaú, Nubank)
- Investment and crypto Ponzi schemes
Tourist-specific scams
- Overcharging unofficial taxis, particularly at airports
- Card cloning and ATM skimming
- Fake tour operators in tourist areas
Online shopping scams
- Fake online shops and marketplace non-delivery
- Phishing via WhatsApp, SMS, and email
- SIM swap enabling account takeover
Job scams
- Task scams via messaging apps
- Fake remote work offers requiring upfront payments or equipment purchases
Romance scams
- Dating-app romance and pig-butchering crypto investment grooming
Investment scams
- Fake forex and crypto trading platforms
- Community Ponzi and pyramid schemes
How to report a scam here
- Contact your bank immediately to flag or attempt to recall a PIX transfer
- Report cybercrime to SaferNet Brasil at new.safernet.org.br/denuncie
- File consumer complaints at consumidor.gov.br
- For criminal matters, report to your local Delegacia de Polícia Civil or Federal Police
Local reporting & protection links
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Contact your bank immediately — Brazilian banks have PIX fraud procedures but speed is critical as PIX transfers are instant. If you authorised a PIX under false pretences, report it as MED (Mecanismo Especial de Devolução) fraud to your bank to trigger the recovery process.
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot all messages, profiles, websites and payment pages
- Save transaction references, account numbers and crypto wallet addresses
- Keep emails with full headers where possible
- Note dates, times, names and phone numbers used
Frequently asked questions
Can PIX transfers be reversed if I was scammed?
In some cases, yes. Brazil's MED (Mecanismo Especial de Devolução) allows banks to request the return of PIX funds if fraud is reported. Contact your bank immediately and report the transaction as fraud — the receiving bank can hold funds for up to seven days.
What is the WhatsApp hijacking scam in Brazil?
Scammers trick victims into sharing a WhatsApp verification code, then take over the account and message contacts requesting emergency PIX transfers. Never share a WhatsApp or SIM verification code with anyone.
How do I report cybercrime in Brazil?
Report to SaferNet Brasil at new.safernet.org.br/denuncie for online and cybercrime. For consumer disputes, use consumidor.gov.br. Criminal complaints should go to your local Delegacia or the Federal Police.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance