Brazil implements new biometric requirements for social benefits

Brazil is implementing a new biometric identification system for social and social security benefit recipients. The Federal Government has mandated the use of the Carteira de Identidade Nacional (CIN) to enhance security and prevent fraud. The transition will be gradual: until December 2026, other documents like CNH, voter IDs, or passports with existing biometric data will be accepted. From January 2027, these documents remain valid only if biometrics were registered by the end of 2026. By January 2028, the CIN will be the sole accepted document for benefit management.

Simultaneously, various authorities are warning of rising fraud. Criminals are using fake video calls, impersonating lawyers or judicial officials, and using real legal data to scam victims out of significant sums. Additionally, the INSS has issued alerts regarding 'life proof' scams via SMS and WhatsApp, where fraudsters attempt to steal banking credentials by mimicking official government communications.

In other news, the INSS is organizing a massive service drive with over 20,000 vacancies to reduce waiting lists for medical exams and social assessments across Brazil. Meanwhile, Inep has released the final results for the 2025/2 Revalida exam, qualifying 5,666 doctors to practice in Brazil.