Consumer Protection – Portugal FAQs for Expats

Question 1

What is Deco Proteste?

Accepted Answer

Deco Proteste is Portugal's largest consumer rights organization, providing independent product testing, legal advice, dispute mediation, and advocacy on behalf of consumers. It is part of the international Euroconsumers group.

Deco publishes comparative tests of products and services (from insurance policies to supermarket prices), lobbies for consumer-friendly legislation, and runs a mediation service that helps resolve disputes between consumers and companies. It also operates helplines during crises — such as severe weather events — to advise on insurance claims, billing disputes, and emergency consumer rights.

Membership is paid, but Deco's public advocacy and media presence make it a significant voice in Portuguese consumer affairs. Its studies and reports are frequently cited in news coverage of cost-of-living, energy prices, and financial products.

Question 2

What is Associação Zero?

Accepted Answer

Associação Zero is a Portuguese environmental NGO (ZERO — *Sustainable Terrestrial System Association*) that campaigns on climate, energy and land‑use policies and often advocates measures like converting vacant buildings into affordable housing. Residents and people following housing or environmental policy should note its proposals and public pressure, which can influence local planning and national programmes like the PNRE.

Question 3

What is phishing?

Accepted Answer

Phishing is a fraudulent practice where scammers send deceptive emails or messages that mimic legitimate organizations to steal personal or financial information. In Portugal, these attacks often target users of public services like the Social Security Institute (*Instituto da Segurança Social* or *ISS*) by including malicious links designed to capture sensitive data.

Question 4

What is Quercus and why is it asking for a ban on non-biodegradable wet wipes?

Accepted Answer

Quercus is a Portuguese environmental association that advocates for nature conservation, policy change and public awareness (the organisation is known simply as Quercus). It is pushing for a ban on non-biodegradable wet wipes because these products are a major cause of sewer blockages and environmental pollution, and it has formally alerted the government and parliament to the issue.

Question 5

What is SIM swapping?

Accepted Answer

SIM swapping is a type of identity theft where a criminal convinces a mobile operator to transfer an existing phone number to a new SIM card under their control. Once active, the attacker intercepts calls and SMS two-factor authentication codes to access bank accounts and online services. Mobile operators in Portugal and across Europe are introducing automated verification tools to alert banks when a phone number has recently changed SIM cards.

Question 6

What is the Portuguese Association of Landscape Architects?

Accepted Answer

The Portuguese Association of Landscape Architects is the professional body that represents landscape architects in Portugal, issues guidance and promotes professional standards. After Storm Kristin the association called on members to help with recovery and to rethink landscape planning and management in affected areas, so homeowners, developers and local authorities should expect its input on rebuilding and landscaping work.

Question 7

What is WWF Portugal?

Accepted Answer

WWF Portugal is the national branch of the international conservation organisation World Wide Fund for Nature, working on nature protection and climate policy. It warned today that the recent storms reflect a new "climate normal" and urged stronger prevention, adaptation and structural investment, a warning residents and local planners should take into account.

Question 8

What is the Zero association and why are its reports cited about electricity and emissions?

Accepted Answer

Zero is a Portuguese environmental NGO that tracks energy use, emissions and climate policy; in 2025 it reported electricity consumption reached 53.1 TWh and that increased reliance on gas raised CO2 emissions by about one million tonnes. Its analyses shape public debate and policy on the energy mix, which influences electricity costs, climate targets and regulatory changes that affect households and businesses.