Latest news and stories about consumer protection in Portugal for expats and residents.
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First part of 'Doa a Quem Doer' from this Friday, March 13, 2026.
Portugal faces criticism for its vulnerability to spam and online scams, prompting calls from Anacom, the Cybersecurity Alliance, and Deco for legislative reform and enhanced consumer protection measures.
The article reports that DECO, Portugal's consumer protection organization, has received over 500 inquiries and complaints related to insurance policies, primarily due to damages caused by recent severe weather events. Consumers are experiencing difficulties with insurance claims, including delays and refusals, highlighting concerns about insurance companies' responsiveness and coverage adequacy during extreme weather. The surge in complaints underscores the need for clearer communication and better consumer protection in the face of increasingly frequent adverse weather conditions in Portugal.
The Socialist Party (PS) has tabled a bill to regulate health discount cards after MP Miguel Costa Matos warned consumers are confusing these cards with health insurance. The proposal would force advertisers to include a clear disclaimer — “this product is not a health insurance nor does it replace health insurance” — aiming to reduce misleading marketing and clarify the difference between discount plans and regulated insurance products. The move frames the health-card market as an unregulated sector requiring consumer-protection measures and clearer rules for advertising and service claims.
The ringleaders were given 10 years' imprisonment each.
The Vila de Rei council, in the Castelo Branco district, warned residents about the possible presence of scammers in the municipality offering help with fake services.
Scammers are posing as repair service providers or suppliers of materials.
The district commander warned of attempted scams and urged the public to contact the police force if they require assistance.
The European Commission announced today that it has opened infringement proceedings against Portugal for failing to correctly transpose European Union directives on tax transparency for crypto-assets and on consumer protection in credit.
The messages contain an alleged notification vaguely warning of an outstanding debt that must be paid immediately because the deadline is about to expire.
Scammers are sending bulk WhatsApp messages, posing as “Seg-Social”, to demand urgent payments for fake debts. The Public Prosecutor's Office confirms that Social Security does not send these notifications.
A declaration of a state of calamity does not result in exclusion of coverage for insurance policies that cover damage caused by events such as storms.
The scheme used by the suspect involved alleged property investment funds that did not exist; the accused used falsified bank documents.
The European Parliament's Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) will debate on Thursday a report that proposes a new approach to financial literacy across the European Union (EU). Among the central themes of the document, drawn up at the initiative of PSD MEP Lídia Pereira, is the adaptation of financial literacy to key moments of the life cycle ...
Two men reported that they had been lured into making investments on online platforms and lost the money.
The association representing travel agencies in Portugal is calling for measures to regulate professionals, tackle irregularities in the sector and offers tips to prevent customers from being scammed.
The Food and Economic Safety Authority (ASAE) seized approximately 6,834 litres of wine, 9,112 bottles labelled as organic product and 8,432 certifier seals in clear non-compliance with applicable legislation. In a statement, ASAE says the seizures were carried out last week during an inspection operation and that it was ...
The Bank of Portugal has issued a warning that Dalton Pontes is barred from undertaking financial activities or offering regulated financial services in Portugal; consumers and firms are advised not to engage with him for such services.
The Bank of Portugal (BdP) warned today that Dalton Lopes Tome de Sousa Pontes is not authorised to carry out financial activities in Portugal, notably payment services.
Fifty-seven vehicles were inspected and seven taximeters were seized.
An audit highlights structural failings in the financing and governance model of the Insurance Supervisory Authority. Supervisory and regulatory fees charged in 2023 had not been adjusted since 2009.
Portugal's Court of Auditors concluded that the national insurance regulator raised fees or revenues above the levels required, suggesting possible overcharging and recommending corrective measures.
Bottles were “ready to be put on the market” but did not comply with the law. The absence of labels allows them to be sold “with false or manipulated characteristics”, ASAE says.
An inspection carried out by the Food and Economic Safety Authority (ASAE) in the district of Viseu resulted in the seizure of around 21,130 litres of bottled wine.