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Since 2020, Complaints About Unjustified Automatic Debits Have Increased 376%. Consumers Report Charges Without Authorization, While Banks Blame a Regulation from the Central Bank for the Confusion.
On March 26, 2020, the Central Bank authorized, through Resolution 4,790/2020, that a financial institution could request the inclusion of automatic debit in the account of a customer from another bank.
The most controversial detail? The regulation allowed this request to be made even without clear express authorization from the account holder, opening the door for unexpected troubles.
The Rapid Increase in Complaints Since 2020
The customers’ reaction was almost immediate: complaints about unjustified debits skyrocketed after 2020. Many consumers only noticed when they saw the negative balance on their statements — and discovered that they hadn’t always authorized it.
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Banks Speak of “Regulation Change” — and Wash Their Hands
Faced with the flood of complaints, banks defended themselves: they say the root of the problem lies in the change in regulation by the Central Bank.
In other words: according to them, they are not acting in bad faith — just following the new regulation. But does this suffice to exempt the institutions from responsibility?
What This Means for the Consumer
- Automatic Debit Has Become “Almost Automatic” — today, a debit can show up in a bank without direct authorization.
- Explosion of Complaints: consumer protection agencies, such as Procon and platforms like Reclame Aqui, are flooded with frustrated reports.
- Banks Claim: “We Are Supported by the Central Bank” — but this does not eliminate the frustration of those who had money withdrawn without notice.
Stay Alert: How to Protect Yourself
- Review your monthly statement very carefully.
- Check automatic debit authorizations: close or cancel anything you don’t recognize — you can request cancellation at any time!
- If an unjustified debit appears, file a complaint with Procon, the Central Bank, or even in court.
Stay Alert! Don’t let any bank mess with your money. Check the debits, cancel those you did not authorize, and exercise your rights — before the next unjustified charge appears on your statement!
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