Brazil: Guidance on contesting unauthorized INSS and bank charges

Beneficiaries and consumers in Brazil are advised on procedures to identify and contest unauthorized deductions from social security benefits and bank accounts.

To address unauthorized association or union fees appearing on INSS statements, individuals should use the ‘Meu INSS’ app or call Central 135 to identify the entity and request a block or exclusion. While blocking prevents future charges, it does not guarantee automatic reimbursement of previous debits; users must formally contest these amounts through official channels.

Regarding unauthorized payroll loans (empréstimo consignado), consumers should request a full copy of the contract from the financial institution. If an unsolicited deposit is made, it is advised not to spend the funds and to communicate with the bank to arrange a return. Disputes can be escalated through bank ombudsmen, the Consumidor.gov.br platform, or Procon.

Additionally, individuals are cautioned against abandoning inactive bank accounts. Simply zeroing a balance does not terminate a contract, and maintenance fees can accumulate, leading to debt and credit score damage. Formal closure requests are necessary to prevent ongoing charges.