Brazil's INSS warns of phone spoofing scam using number 135

The Instituto Nacional do Seguro Social (INSS) has issued an alert about a telephone fraud in which callers mask their number to appear as 135. The scammers claim the beneficiary must update registration, confirm proof of life, or avoid a supposed block of benefits, then request personal data, passwords, SMS codes or payments via Pix or boletos. INSS stresses that it never conducts proof‑of‑life or any service by phone, WhatsApp or SMS, and advises victims to end such calls immediately.

Consumers are urged to use built‑in smartphone features to block unwanted numbers and to register with free services such as “Não Me Perturbe,” which blocks telemarketing calls, and “Qual Empresa Me Ligou,” which identifies the company behind a number. Additional precautions include not sharing personal or banking information and remaining vigilant against social‑engineering tactics.