The consignado loan & the "false lawyer"

A caller posing as a bank, a "previdência" association, or a lawyer tells a retiree there's money to claim or a loan to "regularize" — but a deposit or fee is needed first. Other versions sign people up to paid "benefit clubs" through fast "ligações-relâmpago," or use deepfakes to look official.

The tell is simple: you never pay to receive money that's owed to you.

What to do: don't pay anything. Verify any loan or benefit directly with your bank or the INSS through official channels before signing or paying.