In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, the INSS payroll loan margin was increased for another year. As a result, the number of complaints related to fraud has also increased, causing a lot of stress for citizens.

So, today we're going to show you how INSS payroll loan fraud works and show you how you can avoid falling for this fraud! Check out!

Retirees and pensioners are more vulnerable people, in general, with a reduced ability to understand the mechanisms of the financial system, that is, they cannot clearly understand the terms of taking out a loan.

In this, they are seduced by the offer to take out a loan so that they can buy products, goods and services that they so desire.

Most of the time, this hiring is done over the phone, where the vulnerability of these people is even greater.

So, in this type of fraud, the INSS retiree or pensioner receives the money from the loan deposited in their account, but the loss will appear later, when the value of the loan is charged with high interest.

And so, for those responsible for the fraud, the profit will come through commissions and performance fees, reaching up to 6% in cash for the value of each operation, in addition to other payments throughout the contract! In this way, the percentage on each operation becomes better than retaining the loan amount!

Furthermore, another form of fraud is taking out a loan by presenting false or lost documents.

So, in the case of false documents, criminals use the retiree's or pensioner's data to forge ballots that look similar to the original, but by inserting false photos and data, as well as the document itself can also be false.

To do this, criminals request a loan from the bank and receive the money in an open account and then withdraw the funds! On the other hand, the debt remains with the retiree!

Well, there are some ways to avoid falling into INSS payroll loan fraud, check them out!

To begin with, the first tip is: Do not pass on personal data!

Therefore, do not pass on personal data to third parties or websites, that is, you should not fill in untrustworthy websites or pass on information through telephone calls.

Therefore, remain attentive and reserved regarding your data, not transmitting it to anyone and, when necessary, make sure it is a reputable institution!

Check your bank and INSS statements! This is because, this way, you will have access to all the information, for this, you can consult it through the MY INSS website or app!

Therefore, keep an eye on all your financial transactions carried out in your name, don't go days or months without checking your bank statement!

Furthermore, if you take out the loan and the finance company does not make information about interest rates clear, experts recommend not proceeding with the loan.

So, for example, if the rate disclosed is 2.39%, but in the contract the rate disclosed is 3.05%, it is important to double-check all the data in the financial proposal so that you do not fall for a scam or so-called financial fraud!

Another form of fraud is a contract signed without authorization!

This is because, if this happens, simply contact the financial institutions to check what may have happened, gathering all the proof! And, if you don't resolve it, just contact the responsible bodies to resolve it!

So, if payroll loan fraud occurs, follow the next steps! Check out!

First, go to a police station and file a police report or TCO with the civil police in your region. You will then need to make a complaint to the Social Security Ombudsman (INSS) by calling 135 or using the link to the Ombudsman's Office. 

Then, you must open a complaint with the Central Bank via number 145 or via the institution's website. Therefore, you must also open a complaint at the local Procon or on the website consumer.gov.br. 

Furthermore, contact the bank or financial institution belonging to the loan to register the complaint and have access to all requests! It is important to mention that legal action is the last resort!