# Data privacy and consumer fraud trends in Brazil

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/data-privacy-and-personal-data-scams-in-brazil
> Updated: 2026-09-02T18:17:35.000Z. Sources: 38. Developments: 3.

Concerns regarding data privacy and consumer rights in Brazil have intensified due to the prevalence of abusive telemarketing, robocalls, and unsolicited messaging. Research by the Regional Center for Studies on the Development of the Information Society (Cetic.br) has quantified the scale of these threats, revealing that approximately 45 million Brazilian internet users—representing 32% of the demographic aged 16 and older—have been targeted by scams involving their personal data. While many face attempted scams, 20% of this demographic reported being actual victims.

Scammers primarily utilize messaging applications (84%) and telephone calls (79%), followed by fake websites or apps (71%), SMS (71%), email (69%), and social media (67%). The impact is multifaceted: 48% of victims reported money being stolen, 43% lost access to accounts, and 58% experienced emotional stress and malaise.

This rising tide of fraud is fundamentally altering consumer behavior. Data from CNDL and SPC Brasil indicates that 49.9% of consumers experienced fraud or attempted fraud within the last year. Consequently, shoppers are adopting more defensive postures, such as verifying company reputations and avoiding unknown offers. 

Additionally, the integration of generative Artificial Intelligence is introducing new privacy complexities. While Brazilians use AI for work and study, there is an increasing trend of users sharing sensitive information—including professional data, health information, and personal sentiments—with these tools.

## Claims

- The research was conducted by the Regional Center for Studies on the Development of the Information Society (Cetic.br). (corroborated by 19 sources)
- Approximately 45 million Brazilian internet users aged 16 or older reported attempted scams using their personal data. (corroborated by 19 sources)
- About 20% of internet users aged 16 or older reported being actual victims of scams involving their personal information. (corroborated by 19 sources)
- Messaging apps are the most common channel for scams, cited by 84% of those targeted. (corroborated by 19 sources)
- Phone calls are the second most common method, used in 79% of cases. (corroborated by 19 sources)
- Among scam victims, 48% reported having money stolen. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Fake websites or apps are reported by 80% of users who access the internet exclusively via mobile phones. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- 39% of respondents said someone in their family was targeted by a scam using personal data. (single source)
- 58% of victims reported experiencing emotional stress and malaise due to scams. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-02: Brazil consumers adopt cautious habits amid rising data scams

Rising fraud and data scams in Brazil are driving consumers to be more cautious, less impulsive, and more protective of their personal information during digital transactions and AI usage.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-consumers-adopt-cautious-habits-amid-rising-data-scams

### 2026-08-31: Brazil internet users: 45 million face data-related scams

A Cetic.br study shows 45 million Brazilian internet users have faced attempted data-related scams, with 20% becoming actual victims via messaging apps, phone calls, and fake websites.

30 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-45-million-internet-users-targeted-by-personal-data-scams

### 2026-08-21: Data privacy concerns rise amid telemarketing and robocall abuse in Brazil

Consumers in Brazil face increasing telemarketing abuse and robocalls driven by data sharing and automated dialers. Legal protections like the LGPD aim to curb these invasive commercial practices.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/data-privacy-concerns-rise-amid-telemarketing-and-robocall-abuse-in-brazil

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Cite as: Data privacy and consumer fraud trends in Brazil. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/data-privacy-and-personal-data-scams-in-brazil