Latest news and stories about consumer protection in government in Portugal for expats and residents.
The Bar Association has launched an awareness campaign to address hundreds of ongoing cases regarding the unlawful practice of law, an illegal act involving unauthorised individuals performing duties reserved exclusively for lawyers and solicitors.
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 Socialist Party (PS) has introduced a bill to strengthen consumer protection and combat illegal online gambling. The proposal includes evaluating the influence of digital creators on gambling habits, creating an action plan against illegal operators, establishing a transparency portal, and mandating stricter rules for self-exclusion and the removal of promotional content for unlicensed platforms.
Francisco César also advocated for aid to consumers if there is a significant increase in costs.
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.
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 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.
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 (BdP) warned today that Dalton Lopes Tome de Sousa Pontes is not authorised to carry out financial activities in Portugal, notably payment services.
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.
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.
Victims first receive a message about payment of a fine. A 'Pay online' button then directs them to a fraudulent webpage.
The operation involved 62 personnel from the Fiscal Action Detachments in Porto, Coimbra, Lisbon, Évora and Faro. More than a hundred premises were inspected.
An enforcement inspection in the vehicle maintenance sector found infringements such as the absence of the customer complaints book and service prices that did not itemise taxes and charges.
More than €95 million has been bet on the presidential election on a platform called Polymarket. This site is not among the 17 entities licensed in Portugal that are authorised to offer online gambling and betting.
ASAE, the Municipal Police and the GNR seized several cuts of meat from the premises.
According to ASAE, as a result of this action 626 economic operators were inspected.
The Food and Economic Safety Authority (ASAE) inspected 626 economic operators in the travel agencies and tourism sector and initiated 42 administrative offence proceedings, mainly due to non-compliance with legal requirements, according to a statement.
The Directorate-General for Consumer Affairs (DGC) increased the number of advertising messages analysed in the digital environment by 20% over the past year — from 5,606 in 2024 to 6,727 in 2025. However, this boost was accompanied by a reduction in the sample of operators covered. The public body notes that the reduction occurred in order to ...
The Food and Economic Security Authority (ASAE) seized more than 3,500 items and initiated six criminal proceedings during an inspection into compliance with rules on the marketing of food products containing 'cannabis sativa'. In a statement released today, ASAE reports that the inspection of six businesses specialising in the sale of dietary supplements and food products resulted in ...
Entities with no links to higher education were the subject of six proceedings by the Education Inspectorate in 2024 for advertising programmes as postgraduate qualifications without having authorisation to do so.
Home News Police issue WhatsApp scam warning Police issue WhatsApp scam warning The Public Security Police ( PSP) has once again warned the Portuguese about a fraud circulating on WhatsApp, one of the most used applications in the country.
The 42-year-old suspect carried out attacks at several locations across the Lisbon area, coercing victims into paying for supposed repairs.
The aim is to ensure consumer protection and safety while also promoting fair trade and safeguarding regular economic activity, explained the Government.
