Sebrae Warns Small Businesses in Brazil Against New WhatsApp Scams Targeting CNPJ Regularization

In recent weeks, small business owners in Brazil have been targeted by an upsurge in scams involving fraudulent messages sent via WhatsApp. These scams claim that the entrepreneurs' CNPJ (National Registry of Legal Entities) will be suspended due to alleged debts with the Federal Revenue unless immediate payment is made. The deceptive messages often feature the Simples Nacional logo and include links for instant payment, aiming to trick recipients into financial loss.

The Ombudsman of Sebrae, Carla Rech, has raised alarms about this growing fraudulent activity. She urges entrepreneurs to exercise caution and verify any suspicious communications related to their CNPJ status through official channels. Rech highlights that these scams frequently emerge at the start of the year when small businesses focus on MEI (Individual Microentrepreneur) regularization and filing the Annual Declaration (DASN).

Beyond false debts, common scam tactics include fake DAS-MEI contributions, misleading notifications about mandatory affiliation requirements for MEIs, and unsolicited loan offers. Sebrae strongly recommends that small business owners only engage with loans through recognized financial institutions and to carry out all MEI formalization via the official Gov.br portal, which is free of charge.

For those uncertain about the legitimacy of messages or processes, Sebrae advises seeking guidance directly through their offices or local Entrepreneur Rooms in city halls to avoid falling victim to these fraudulent schemes. This warning serves as a vital reminder for Brazilian entrepreneurs to remain vigilant amid increasing scam attempts targeting their financial security and business legitimacy.