Brazilian consumer agencies issue alerts regarding fraudulent bank slips and WhatsApp scams

Consumer protection agencies and utility companies in Brazil are issuing warnings to alert the public about various fraudulent schemes involving unrecognized bank slips and digital messaging scams.

In Manaus, Procon Manaus has notified citizens about suspicious bank slips appearing in the Direct Authorized Debit (DDA) system, specifically noting unauthorized charges of R$ 6.99. Officials emphasize that the presence of a slip in a banking app does not prove a debt exists and advise consumers to verify the beneficiary and CNPJ before paying. Under the Consumer Defense Code, providing services without prior solicitation is considered abusive.

Simultaneously, the utility company Saneago has warned customers about scammers using fake WhatsApp numbers and fraudulent websites to issue water and sewage bills. Saneago advises users to only use official contact numbers and to verify the recipient's name when paying via Pix using the QR code on official invoices to avoid sending funds to fraudulent accounts.