Victims of Pix scams now have a more robust mechanism to recover their lost funds. As of Sunday, November 23rd, new rules from the Central Bank have come into effect, significantly enhancing the chances of reclaiming money lost to fraud.
These updated regulations introduce a more comprehensive approach to combating Pix fraud, which has seen substantial financial losses across the country. The goal is to provide greater security and recourse for users.
The Central Bank’s initiative focuses on tracing the movement of illicit funds, offering a vital layer of protection for individuals and businesses alike. This aims to make the Pix system safer for everyone.
According to information released by the Central Bank, the **Mecanismo Especial de Devolução (MED)**, or Special Refund Mechanism, will now actively pursue the “path of the money” in cases of Pix fraud, scams, or coercion. This is a significant expansion from previous rules.
Previously, the recovery process was often limited to the very first account where the stolen funds were transferred. However, fraudsters are adept at quickly moving money from these initial accounts to others, often leaving the victim’s account empty by the time a claim is filed.
The new MED functionality will be available for banks to use on a voluntary basis starting today, November 23rd. This will become **mandatory for all financial institutions by February 2nd, 2026**, ensuring widespread implementation.
The impact of Pix fraud has been considerable. Data from the Central Bank, obtained by Broadcast through the Access to Information Law (LAI), reveals that fraud losses through Pix totaled **R$ 4.941 billion in 2024**. This figure represents a **70% increase** compared to 2023, when losses amounted to R$ 2.911 billion.
This substantial rise in fraudulent activity underscores the urgency and importance of the Central Bank’s new measures. By extending the reach of recovery efforts, the MED aims to create a more secure environment for Pix transactions.
The expansion of the MED is expected to significantly deter fraudsters by increasing the likelihood that stolen funds will be traced and recovered, regardless of how many accounts they are moved through. This development is a crucial step forward in protecting users of Brazil’s instant payment system.
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