
Brazil Fights Bank Fraud with New Citizen Account Block
Brazil's Central Bank Launches New Tool to Combat Fraudulent Bank Accounts Brazil is taking a proactive step to combat financial fraud. Starting in December 2025, citizens will be able to directly block the opening of new accounts through the Central Bank's website. This initiative aims to curb the rising number of fraudulent accounts opened using stolen or falsified identities. According to Carlos Eduardo Gomes, head of the Central Bank's Customer Service Department, "Our tool helps, but it won't solve the problem alone." He stressed that it's a collaborative effort to reduce fraud. The system will be fully functional within six months, requiring all banks to access the national financial system's data for account verification. The Association of Brazilian Banks warns of cases like Adriana's, who fell victim to fraudsters, and others who lend their accounts to criminal rings. Paulo Conduta, coordinator of the Association of Brazilian Banks, stated, "We need to reinforce that this is a crime, and we need to emphasize the responsibility of those who engage in this type of lending." This new measure represents a significant step towards protecting citizens from financial scams and underscores the collaborative effort between the Central Bank and financial institutions to enhance security.