Desenrola, Brasil: government program targeted by cybercriminals

How Desenrola, Brasil works

Desenrola, Brasil is a program created by Brazil’s Federal Government with the support of the Brazilian Federation of Banks, or FEBRABAN, to make it easier for people to renegotiate their debts, helping Brazilians with credit restrictions. 

The program came into effect on July 17, 2023 and is developing in stages. The first stage involves negotiating the write-off of small debts and is aimed at people with bank debts of up to BRL100.00, or around USD20.00. 

The second stage is aimed at individuals with an income of up to BRL 20,000.00, or roughly USD 4,000.00, and no amount limit on bank debts. To begin negotiating, people can simply contact the bank. Finally, the third stage caters to citizens with an income of up to two minimum wages, or those registered with CadÚnico, the Federal Government social service registry, with debts of up to BRL 5,000.00, approximately USD 1,000.00.

What are the digital scams related to Desenrola, Brasil?

As with most topics that gain popular attention, the Desenrola, Brasil program is being used by cybercriminals to scam citizens looking to renegotiate their debts. Generally speaking, the scam plays out in one of two different ways.

In the first, the criminals contact potential beneficiaries of the program via phone calls, instant messaging apps, emails or social networks, posing as representatives of the government or creditor banks. 

They then offer advantageous conditions, such as low-interest rates, extended terms and easy approval. To join the program, the person is asked to provide personal document numbers, bank details or even pay an upfront fee. 

In the second case, cybercriminals create fraudulent websites with names and layouts very similar to the Desenrola, Brasil’s website, hoping that an Internet user will access this page instead of the original one. 

In some cases, the fraudsters even sponsor advertisements so that the fake site appears in search engine results and on the trendiest social networks.   

How can you protect yourself from Desenrola, Brasil scams?

To identify scams related to Desenrola, Brasil, remember: no financial institution will charge upfront fees to join the program, much less request sensitive information through unofficial channels. If you receive an offer of this kind, be wary. 

Here are a few more simple tips that can keep you safe from scams like the ones using the Desenrola, Brasil name:

• When looking for more information or joining the program, make sure you are accessing the official channels of the government or the financial institutions that are partners in the program. You can consult the list of partners on the Desenrola, Brasil website: www.gov.br/desenrolabrasil. Specifically, follow the instructions for the current phase of the program provided through these channels. 

• If you receive suspicious links or attachments via email, messaging apps like WhatsApp or even social media, supposedly sent by a representative of your bank or the government, please do not click. They may contain viruses or direct you to fake pages that will capture your data. If you have any doubts, always contact your bank before taking any action. 

• Do not make advance payments to join the Desenrola, Brasil program. It is illegal and fraudulent. 

• Never send personal documents or bank information to supposed financial entities that contact you via email, instant messaging apps or social media. Only proceed through the official channels of the government or the program's partner institutions. 

• In the event of fraud or attempted fraud related to Desenrola, Brasil, inform the police authorities, the Consumer Protection and Defense Program, Brazil’s Central Bank and your bank.