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The fake government body scam: money to claim, a cut benefit, a fine

A message in the name of a government body talks about money to claim, a cut benefit or a fine, and sends a link. Public bodies do not send payment links by SMS or messaging app.

Also called: fake government message, unclaimed money scam.

How it works

  1. An SMS or message arrives with a government body's name: money to claim, proof of life, a suspended licence.
  2. The link opens a page that copies gov.br or the body's site.
  3. The page asks for your CPF, password, bank details or a payment to release the money or avoid the cut.

Where it usually starts: SMS, messaging app, e-mail.

How it arrives on Bipe. Simulation with sample people and messages.

How to spot it

  • The message has a link and a short deadline.
  • The site address does not end in gov.br.
  • They ask for a payment to release money that would be yours.

What to do

  • Do not click. Type the gov.br address yourself or open the official app.
  • Check money to claim only at valoresareceber.bcb.gov.br. INSS only through Meu INSS or 135.
  • Gave data or paid? Talk to your bank and file a police report.

How Bipe helps

Each item shows where it stands on iPhone and Android.

Reserved names

Bank, government and Bipe names are kept for the institution's verified account.

iPhone: Coming soon · Android: Coming soon

Disguised letters

The name check treats some lookalikes, such as O and 0, as the same letter. It does not cover every similar name.

iPhone: Coming soon · Android: Coming soon

Scam warnings

A warning shows under a message that looks like a scam, such as a rushed Pix, a new number or a boleto. It is on by default, with nothing to set up.

iPhone: In the test app · Android: In development

What Bipe does not solve here

Most of these arrive by SMS and e-mail, outside Bipe. On Bipe, public bodies' names are reserved, and the warning shows on links that use bcb, gov, inss, receita or detran without being the official site.

Bipe only protects the chats that happen in Bipe. If someone in the family still uses another app, a scammer can write to them there.

Who describes this scam

Official pages with the scam's script and what to do.

Other common scams

Scams in Brazil in numbers

Where these numbers come from

Researched on 13 October 2026. We only use numbers that have a source. Surveys by a company or a private association are marked as such.