Financial security
Pix
5 steps
Pix is fast and convenient, but scammers can exploit social engineering, impersonation, fake payment requests, and compromised accounts. Knowing the warning signs and acting quickly after suspected fraud can help protect your account and preserve information needed for the bank's analysis.
How to identify a Pix scam
Pix scams often use urgency, emotional pressure, impersonation of companies or relatives, compromised messaging accounts, fake receipts, altered QR codes, or promises of unrealistic financial returns. Treat unexpected payment requests with caution and verify them independently.
Why acting quickly matters
Reporting suspected fraud quickly allows the financial institution to start its internal procedures sooner. Preserving evidence immediately also reduces the risk of losing messages, receipts, or other information that may be relevant to the case.
Legal and institutional procedures
After suspected fraud, use official bank channels, preserve evidence, and file a police report when appropriate. The possibility of recovering funds or establishing liability depends on the facts of the case and the applicable procedures; reporting the incident does not guarantee reimbursement.
Steps to Take Immediately
Actions that can help limit damage and support the investigation
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1
Identify the scam and preserve evidence
Save the transfer receipt, account statement, screenshots, messages, emails, phone numbers, and other information related to the suspected scam.
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2
Contact your bank
Report the suspected fraud immediately through the institution's official channels and ask whether the Special Refund Mechanism (MED) applies to the case.
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3
File a police report
File a police report with the transaction details, Pix key or recipient information, and supporting evidence available to you.
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4
Change passwords and security credentials
Change passwords for accounts that may have been compromised and enable stronger authentication options when available.
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5
Monitor financial activity
Monitor account activity and keep the bank's case or protocol numbers until the matter is resolved.
Steps to Take Immediately
| Step | Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preserve evidence | Documentation supports the bank's and authorities' analysis |
| 2 | Contact the bank | Prompt reporting allows the institution to begin its procedures sooner |
| 3 | File a police report | Creates an official record of the incident |
| 4 | Secure accounts and credentials | Helps reduce the risk of additional unauthorized access |
| 5 | Monitor account activity | Helps identify additional suspicious transactions |
Important Tips
Carefully check the recipient's name and details before confirming a Pix transfer.
Verify payment requests received by message through another trusted contact method.
Be skeptical of promises of guaranteed or instant financial returns.
Use only official bank channels for issues involving your account.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to common questions.
What should I do after falling victim to a Pix scam?
Save transaction records and messages, contact your financial institution through an official channel immediately, ask about the Special Refund Mechanism (MED) when applicable, file a police report, and secure any accounts or credentials that may have been exposed.
How can I protect my account from scams?
Check recipient details before confirming a transfer, verify unusual payment requests through a separate trusted contact method, protect passwords and verification codes, and monitor account activity.
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