Brazil free flow tolling: High driver awareness amid rising fraud risks

A survey by Sem Parar indicates that 88% of drivers in Brazil are aware of the ‘free flow’ electronic tolling system, with 89% recognizing the collection gantries on highways. While 86% of respondents find using automated payment tags attractive, 37% still report uncertainty regarding how the model functions, specifically concerning tariff collection and coverage.

The expansion of this system has coincided with an increase in fraudulent activities. Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky has identified over 400 fraudulent websites designed to mimic official toll portals to solicit fake payments. These scams often use sponsored links or messages via SMS and WhatsApp, directing users to fake sites that request Pix payments for low amounts, such as R$ 25.

In response, the Ministry of Transport has updated the ‘Carteira Digital de Trânsito’ (CDT) app to centralize the history of passages through electronic gantries, allowing drivers to verify official payment methods. The National Land Transport Agency (ANTT) and the Ministry of Transport have also intensified warnings to encourage drivers to use only official concessionaire channels for debt inquiries.