As Carnival approaches in Brazil, banks and financial institutions warn about the heightened risk of fraud and provide guidelines to help individuals protect themselves.
Brazil's Carnival is an annual festival that attracts millions, but it also sees a rise in financial scams and crimes. In response, banks, fintechs, and tech companies are ramping up protective measures and advising customers to be vigilant against potential fraud during this busy season. According to FEBRABAN, a significant concern is the 'maquininha' scam, where criminals disguise themselves as sellers to observe PIN entries and then swap cards during transactions to make unauthorized purchases.
To counter this threat, FEBRABAN has issued several recommendations. Customers should ensure that when entering their PIN, the screen of the payment machine only displays asterisks. If the machine’s display appears damaged or malfunctioning, they should refrain from completing the transaction. It's also advised that customers insert their own cards into the machine rather than letting the seller handle it to avoid potential scams.
Furthermore, adjusting limits on digital payment systems like Pix ahead of time is a key recommendation to prevent large unauthorized transactions. These guidelines aim to bolster security for the public during a time filled with festivities but also increased risk, underscoring the importance of awareness and precaution during Carnival.
