Fernanda Montenegro, one of the greatest Brazilian actresses, faced a series of problems with her retirement, victim of fraud at INSS (National Institute of Social Security).
At 94 years old, she had her benefits blocked due to difficulties in proving her life, and even more surprisingly, she discovered that she was the victim of fraud in the INSS system, including changing her email and password.
Fernanda Montenegro victim of INSS fraud
Since 2019, Fernanda stopped receiving her two benefits: retirement and the survivor's pension left by her husband, also actor Fernando Torres (1927-2008).
Even trying to carry out the proof of life, the actress was unsuccessful, leading the INSS to consider her “dead” for the system.
Only four years later, in a Federal Court decision, the INSS was forced to pay more than R$334,000 in retroactive amounts to the actress, in addition to R$10,000 for moral damages, reduced from an initial request of R$30,000.
Frauds Detected
The case of Fernanda Montenegro revealed not only the lack of communication between the INSS and its policyholders, but also highlighted serious flaws in the system, including fraud.
When trying to regularize her situation in 2022, Fernanda realized that her benefits were being deposited and withdrawn by another person, indicating a series of frauds committed by unidentified agents within the INSS.
Singer Martinho da Vila, also of advanced age at 86, faced a similar situation in 2023. His retirement was suspended after lack of proof of life, leading him to sue the INSS asking for the return of around R$$ 80 thousand.
These cases drew attention to the need for improvements in INSS communication and security processes.
INSS positioning
The INSS stated that Fernanda Montenegro's benefits were terminated in 2019 due to failure to provide proof of life, a procedure still required at the time.
Since 2023, proof of life has been made by cross-referencing the insured's biometric data. After confirmation of the proof of life, Fernanda's benefits were reactivated, but the actress claimed not to have withdrawn the amounts corresponding to the period in which she did not receive the benefits.
Data Update: Fraud Prevention at INSS
The INSS warns that it is crucial to keep registration data updated to avoid situations like the one faced by Fernanda Montenegro and Martinho da Vila.
Through the application My INSS or via the Call Center 135, policyholders can update information such as telephone number, address, email, and other personal data.
This practice not only helps prevent fraud, but also ensures that benefits are paid correctly and without interruption.
Image: Team/disclosure of the monologue “Living without Dead Times”
