BC Protege+ is a free, voluntary tool launched by the Central Bank of Brazil that allows individuals and legal entities to proactively block the opening of new checking, savings, or payment accounts in their name.

By activating the service, the Individual Taxpayer’s Register (CPF) or National Corporate Taxpayer’s Register (CNPJ) becomes part of a database that banks are required to consult before opening any account. Therefore, if there is an attempt to create an account without authorization, the institution must automatically reject the transaction.

Why did the Central Bank launch BC Protege+?

The rise in fraud involving the opening of bank accounts with forged identities or data stolen has prompted the creation of a preventative blocking mechanism. Especially with the rise of fintechs, digital banks, and online services, it has become urgent to offer users a tool that guarantees control over their CPF or CNPJ within the financial system.

The Central Bank considered that simply requiring documents to open an account was not enough to avoid all scams, especially those that use leaked or tampered data. BC Protege+ acts as an entry barrier, preventing the fraudulent account from being created and shielding the user against the misuse of their data.

How does this protection work in practice?

Any individual or legal entity can join BC Protege+. When activated, the lock prevents:

• Opening New Accounts: It blocks the creation of checking, savings, or prepaid payment accounts in the name of the CPF or CNPJ; and
• Misrepresentation: It prevents the user from being listed as the account holder or representative on accounts opened by third parties.

Please note that the activation does not interfere with existing accounts, nor with current transactions, Brazilian Instant Payment System (PIX), cards, or active payments. The protection is exclusively for new openings and is reversible.

BC Protege+ Benefits

Among the main advantages of BC Protege+ are:

• Fraud and scam prevention: It prevents names from being misused to open third-party accounts;
• Control over opening of accounts: The decision of who can open an account in their name or represent them returns to the citizen or company;
• Simplicity and autonomy: Online activation, without red tape, and with the possibility of reversal whenever you want; and
• Emphasizing the security of the financial system: It works as an additional barrier to prevent fraudulent accounts from entering the system.

BC Protege+ Limitations

On the other hand, the service does not rule out all risks, for example:

• The tool does not automatically prevent the opening of payment accounts.
• Protection depends on the user’s active participation. If the person or company does not activate the block, the risk remains.

Who should consider activating it?

Protection is especially recommended for individuals or companies that have:

• History of personal data exposure;
• Those who fear identity fraud;
• New or rarely used CNPJ, with no history of banking relationships; and
• Companies with foreign partners or subsidiaries, to prevent the improper opening of accounts by third parties.

Step-by-step guide to joining BC Protege+

To activate protection, simply follow these steps:

1. 1. Access the Central Bank (BC) web portal and log in to “Meu BC” with your gov.br account access (silver or gold level), using two-step authentication;
2. Click on the “BC Protege+” service;
3. Activate the protection to prevent new account openings or inclusions as a representative; and
4. If you want to open an account in the future, simply return to the system and disable the protection.

The entire process is free and can be done online, without needing to visit a bank branch or contact financial institutions directly.

An important instrument for governance and financial protection

BC Protege+ represents a substantial advancement in the policy of protecting citizens and businesses against fraud in the financial system. By allowing users to decide whether they want new accounts opened in their name, the Central Bank provides a direct control mechanism, something that previously depended exclusively on the document analysis of financial institutions.

For those dealing with complex corporate structures, companies with multiple branches, or foreign partners, the tool adds a layer of institutional security. It also reflects a new regulatory reality: Fraud prevention begins before the account even exists.