How Banks Can Protect Customers During Carnival 2025

Carnival is one of Brazil’s biggest celebrations, with cities across the country welcoming over 53 million people to street parties (blocos) this year. But with the excitement comes increased risks – one in ten Brazilians report having had their phone stolen during the Carnival period.

This busy time also shows how banks can play a critical role in helping customers protect their accounts and respond swiftly if something goes wrong. Here’s what Carnival 2025 can teach banks about keeping customers, and their accounts, safe!

Securing lost or stolen bank cards during festivals

Lost or stolen cards become a common concern during Carnival, but with the right tools, customers can protect their accounts and act quickly if they lose their card anytime of the year!

For customers who prefer physical cards, it’s crucial they know how to freeze or block their lost card immediately. Galileo’s API enables banks to manage the entire card lifecycle, from reporting a lost or stolen card to blocking and replacing it. This ensures a smooth, secure process that meets both technical and legal requirements.

Looking ahead, advanced security measures like 3D Secure (3DS) – recently launched by Galileo – will offer an additional layer of fraud prevention and payment security to customers.

What to do when your phone is stolen

Research shows that 7 in 10 Brazilians take their phones to street celebrations. Meanwhile, mobile payments dominated Carnival this year, likely leading to a spike in impulsive transactions. This heavy reliance on mobile devices leaves customers especially vulnerable if they lose their phones. To help them always stay one step ahead, you can suggest a few proactive steps.

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Encouraging customers to install their banking app on a backup device, such as a tablet, can help them find backup when needed. If their primary phone is lost, they’ll still have access to their accounts. Alternatively, you can provide clear guidance on how they can access their online banking through a computer, thereby staying connected to their accounts, even without their phone.

Preventing fraud with real-time banking analytics

Carnival shows just how unpredictable spending can be, with impulse buys, new locations, and festive activities causing irregular transactions. Galileo’s real-time analytics, machine learning risk scores, and enhanced verification tools help detect and reduce fraud by analyzing spending patterns. Instead of blocking cards automatically, Galileo flags unusual behavior and triggers instant notifications, protecting customers while minimizing disruptions.

24/7 digital banking support during travel and festivals

24/7 digital support is crucial during any adventure. In-app features can allow customers to report lost cards, reset passwords, or verify transactions at any time, without needing to wait for assistance.

Galileo’s conversational AI, Cyberbank Konecta, enhances customer service by providing instant, intelligent support. Available 24/7, it allows banks to serve customers anytime, while seamlessly integrating with other systems to extend reach. By informing decision-makers in real-time and reducing operational costs and errors, Cyberbank Konecta enables scalable, efficient service.

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Carnival is all about celebration and joy, but it has also shown banks how they can increase trust by being there when things don’t go to plan. By guiding your customers to take these steps today, you can help them stay focused on living their lives to the full, while their accounts stay secure. Just like most of Brazil during Carnival, bots never sleep!

Contact us to learn more about keeping your customers protected during Carnival–and all year round.