top of page
TRAVEL SCAM
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Card Machine Overcharge Scam
Scammers use tampered payment terminals to charge extremely high amounts for small purchases.
High Risk
COMMON LOCATIONS
Copacabana, Ipanema, Arpoador beaches, street vendors
HOW IT HAPPENS
HOW THE SCAM WORKS
1. Tourist buys low-cost item from street vendor
2. Vendor presents card machine for payment
3. Tourist enters PIN without checking amount
4. Inflated amount is charged without notice
WATCH FOR THIS
WARNING SIGNS
• Vendor insists on card payment
• Amount not clearly shown before PIN entry
• Suspicious or unfamiliar payment device
• Final charge much higher than expected
STAY SMART
HOW TO AVOID IT
• Always verify amount before entering PIN
• Cover keypad and check screen carefully
• Avoid card payments with street vendors
• Use cash or trusted payment methods
bottom of page