Unauthorized Deductions Plague Brazilian INSS Retirees: UOL Investigation Uncovers Widespread Scheme

Millions of Brazilians are affected by a scheme that causes unauthorized deductions from the bank accounts of INSS retirees. The Federal Police are investigating the fraud, but the UOL investigation reveals that the problem is much bigger. Many retirees have insurance and benefit club deductions made automatically after their pensions are deposited. Three groups of companies are involved, with 54,000 cases pending in courts across Brazil. One 74-year-old pensioner from Minas Gerais had R$29.00 deducted for an association she never joined. Then, R$56.00 and R$30.67 were deducted by other companies, and R$89.99 from a benefit club. The pensioner's insurance policy was issued in Goiânia, while the insurance company is based in Porto Alegre, and the retiree lives in the rural area of Manacapuru, Amazonas. The lack of the retiree's signature raises concerns. One company involved has admitted to irregularities and is taking corrective measures. Experts advise retirees to check their bank statements for any suspicious automatic deductions.