Fraud and scams in Portugal: legal risks and prevention tools

Authorities in Portugal are addressing various forms of fraud, including vehicle mileage tampering and digital scams. While the National Republican Guard (GNR) recorded only seven cases of mileage fraud in 2025 and four in the first half of 2026, experts warn that official statistics likely underrepresent the true scale of the problem. Because there is no specific criminal framework for odometer manipulation, such acts are prosecuted as fraud under Article 217 of the Penal Code, carrying potential prison sentences of up to three years.

To combat broader fraudulent activities, a new public guide has been launched at alertafraude.pt. Developed by the cybersecurity firm WhiteHat, the free resource details 64 different schemes, ranging from MB WAY scams to VAT fraud. The platform provides tools to help citizens verify links, IBANs, or phone numbers and offers specific guidance for vulnerable groups, including elderly citizens, young people, and online shoppers.