Latest news and stories about consumer protection in Portugal for expats and residents.
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 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 proposal comes in a scenario where much of the content consumed regarding financial literacy comes from social media and is often disguised as partnerships.
The financial institution VeltoBank is not authorised to provide credit services within the Portuguese market.
Francisco César also advocated for aid to consumers if there is a significant increase in costs.
The authority highlights that 97% have already been assessed and that supervision is monitoring the process to ensure consumer protection.
Home News Portugal customs system to be changed Portugal customs system to be changed The European Union (EU) agreed to reform its common customs framework, which, among other changes, will include fines for trading platforms that import goods considered dangerous or unsafe for consumers.
Support provided by the Government cannot be considered European Union State aid.
Of the communications received by the ECB, 165 concerned alleged infringements of European Union legislation.
An overwhelming majority of Portuguese youth lacking basic financial knowledge—74% of those aged 15 without essential skills—believe they are capable of managing money, displaying 'overconfidence' that leaves them vulnerable to fraud and financial loss, according to a new study by the Banco de Portugal. The report, which analyses data from the OECD's PISA 2022 module, highlights that while Portuguese students perform similarly to their European peers in financial literacy, they have a lower percentage of top-tier performers. The study also notes that young people are increasingly using digital financial tools, such as mobile apps and online payments, without the necessary expertise to navigate the associated risks.
It is always with renewed enthusiasm that we celebrate Brain Awareness Week every March. In recent decades, neuroscience has made extraordinary progress, allowing us to observe and model the human brain in action. However, this has also led to the proliferation of 'neuro-business'—the misuse of scientific terms like 'dopamine' or 'neuroplasticity' to sell unproven coaching methods, motivational packages, and quick-fix solutions for complex mental health issues. The author warns against these 'neuro-experts' who lack rigorous scientific training and emphasizes that true scientific advancement requires years of study, clinical trials, and critical thinking, rather than weekend certifications.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly present in high-risk sectors: autonomous vehicles, drones, automated medical diagnostics, and smart home devices. When an AI system causes an accident, the compensation process becomes more complex than in traditional claims. The main obstacle lies in proving the causal link, given the opacity...
First part of 'Doa a Quem Doer' from this Friday, March 13, 2026.
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 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.
