1. Arrastao beach raids
Groups of thieves rush a section of beach in a coordinated sweep — an 'arrastao' — grabbing phones, bags and wallets from dozens of sunbathers at once before scattering. The UK FCDO describes arrastoes on public beaches, most associated with Copacabana and Ipanema, and advises against taking valuables to the beach or using city beaches after dark.
Warning signs
- Groups of young men moving along the sand scanning belongings
- A sudden commotion or running crowd on the beachfront
- Bags left on towels while owners swim
- Phones used openly at the water's edge
How to avoid it
- Take only what you need to the beach and leave passports and cards in the hotel safe
- Keep belongings attached to you or use a waterproof pouch while swimming
- Stay near lifeguard posts and busier family sections
- Leave the beach before dark
Sources
2. Boa noite Cinderela drugging
Criminals — often working in pairs and increasingly via dating apps — befriend tourists in nightlife spots like Lapa and Pedra do Sal, spike their drink with sedatives, then empty bank accounts and steal phones; overdoses have killed victims. CNN Brasil reports Rio's tourist police (Deat) repeatedly arresting suspects who targeted foreign tourists with this exact scheme in the Zona Sul.
Warning signs
- A new acquaintance steering you quickly to drinks or a private location
- Feeling abruptly incapacitated after one drink
- Dating-app matches who refuse to meet in busy public places
- Missing memory gaps after a night out
How to avoid it
- Buy and watch your own drinks; never leave them unattended
- Meet app dates only in busy public venues and tell a friend your plans
- Keep your phone locked with banking apps behind separate PINs
- Report incidents to Deat, Rio's tourist police station
Sources
3. Card cloning and payment-terminal overcharging
Cards are cloned at ATMs and in shops, and beach vendors and merchants in tourist areas have run through incorrect or inflated amounts on portable terminals. The UK FCDO explicitly warns of payment machine and beach vendor scams in busy tourist areas, advising you to keep sight of your card and verify the amount on the terminal before paying.
Warning signs
- The vendor takes your card out of sight to 'process' it
- The terminal display is turned away or the amount unreadable
- Contactless payment without showing you the total
- Standalone street ATMs in tourist strips
How to avoid it
- Check the amount on the terminal yourself before tapping or entering a PIN
- Never let your card leave your sight
- Use ATMs inside bank branches and monitor statements
- Agree prices with beach vendors before accepting anything
Sources
4. Fraudulent taxis and fake ride-hailing drivers
Unlicensed taxis and criminals using fraudulent ride-hailing accounts have carried out robberies, assaults and express kidnappings in Brazil. The UK FCDO advises against hailing taxis on the street and says to verify the plate and driver match the app booking; Australia's Smartraveller adds that most airports have licensed taxi desks inside baggage reclaim where you pay before travel.
Warning signs
- A car whose plate or driver does not match the app
- Street taxis touting at Galeao or Santos Dumont airports
- A driver who refuses the meter and will not state a fare
- Extra passengers already inside the vehicle
How to avoid it
- Book Uber or 99 and match the plate and driver photo before entering
- Use the authorised taxi booths inside the airport terminals and prepay
- Never accept rides from solicitors in arrivals
- Share your live trip in the app with a contact
Sources
5. Express kidnapping ATM runs
Victims — sometimes picked up in unlicensed taxis — are held briefly and driven between ATMs, forced to withdraw cash or make transfers before being released. The UK FCDO records express kidnappings in Brazil, including from unlicensed taxis and fraudulent ride-hailing cars, and warns the perpetrators may use violence.
Warning signs
- A taxi or rideshare diverting from your route with doors locked
- A second person joining the vehicle mid-journey
- Demands to hand over cards and PINs
- Being driven between ATMs
How to avoid it
- Use only app-booked or official-booth taxis, verified before entry
- Keep daily ATM withdrawal limits low while travelling
- Do not resist if targeted; hand over valuables
- Report immediately to police (190) and your consulate
Sources
Practical safety briefing
- Airport arrival: At Galeao (GIG) and Santos Dumont (SDU), use the authorised taxi booths inside the terminal and pay before you travel, or book Uber/99 from the designated pickup area and verify the plate — street solicitors are the classic trap.
- Trusted transport: Uber and 99 are the standard apps locals use; Rio's metro is the safest way across the city; official prepaid airport taxis from terminal booths.
- Money & payments: Card cloning is a documented problem — use ATMs inside bank branches, keep your card in sight for every payment, and check terminal amounts. If an ATM dispenses pink-marked notes, take them to the bank or police immediately.
Official travel advisories
- UK FCDO — Documents arrastao beach raids, card cloning and beach vendor payment scams, dating-app drink spiking, and express kidnappings from unlicensed taxis and fraudulent ride-hailing cars.
- Australia Smartraveller — Advises licensed airport taxi desks with payment before travel, verifying ride-hailing plates and driver names, and checking card amounts before paying.
Compiled from documented reports and government advisories. How we verify scams. Last verified July 2026.