Valores A Receber

Valores a Receber: Understanding and Navigating the Brazilian Unclaimed Funds System

The term “Valores a Receber” (Values to Receive) refers to a Brazilian government initiative managed by the Banco Central do Brasil (Central Bank of Brazil) that allows individuals and businesses to reclaim unclaimed funds held by financial institutions. These funds can originate from various sources, including:

  • Dormant bank accounts: Accounts that have been inactive for a prolonged period.
  • Unclaimed quotas from deceased members of cooperatives.
  • Forgotten capital shares from closed companies.
  • Resources related to Consórcios (group buying schemes) that were canceled or ended.
  • Other situations where financial institutions hold funds belonging to individuals or companies.

The Sistema de Valores a Receber (SVR)

The Central Bank established the Sistema de Valores a Receber (SVR) – the Values to Receive System – as a centralized platform to facilitate the identification and retrieval of these unclaimed funds. The SVR aims to provide a secure and transparent process for individuals and businesses to check if they have any money waiting for them. Crucially, the SVR is the *only* official channel for accessing information about Valores a Receber.

How to Check for Unclaimed Funds

The process for checking and claiming funds involves the following steps:

  1. Access the official SVR website: This is done through the Central Bank’s website. Be extremely cautious about fake websites claiming to be the SVR, as scams are prevalent. Always verify the URL. The official website is typically valoresareceber.bcb.gov.br.
  2. Enter your CPF (individual taxpayer registry number) or CNPJ (company taxpayer registry number): This allows the system to search for any unclaimed funds associated with your ID.
  3. Consult the search results: If the system identifies funds, it will provide information about the financial institution holding the money and the estimated amount.
  4. Schedule an appointment: After the initial consultation, you will need to schedule an appointment through the SVR to formally request the transfer of the funds. The scheduling system operates in phases, often based on birthdate or CNPJ registration date.
  5. Follow the instructions provided by the Central Bank: Once your appointment date arrives, log back into the SVR and follow the instructions to provide the necessary information for the transfer of funds. This typically involves linking a valid bank account in your name.

Important Considerations and Scam Awareness

It’s essential to be aware of the following points to avoid scams and ensure a smooth process:

  • The SVR is completely free of charge. The Central Bank does not charge any fees for checking or claiming your funds. Any website or individual requesting payment for these services is a scam.
  • The Central Bank will never contact you directly via email, SMS, or WhatsApp asking for personal information or payment details.
  • Always verify the authenticity of any website claiming to be the SVR. Double-check the URL and ensure it matches the official address.
  • Be wary of unsolicited messages or phone calls related to Valores a Receber. Scammers often use these tactics to trick people into revealing personal information or sending money.
  • If you have any doubts, contact the Central Bank directly for clarification.

Navigating the Valores a Receber system requires vigilance and a healthy dose of skepticism. By following the official procedures and being aware of the potential for scams, you can successfully reclaim any unclaimed funds that belong to you.