Rio de Janeiro Emergency Card

Tourist Police / Authorities

• DEAT (Tourist Police Rio)
  +55 21 2334 6802
  Av. Afrânio de Melo Franco 159, Leblon — 24/7, English/Spanish
• Delegacia de Copacabana
  +55 21 2548 9998
  Rua Hilário de Gouveia 90

First 10 minutes if something happens

1. 1.Get to a safe, public spot (café, hotel lobby, shop) and call Police on 190 if anyone is hurt or in immediate danger.
2. 2.Freeze cards immediately in your bank app (do this before calling the bank — it's faster). Revoke Apple Pay / Google Pay from a trusted device if your phone was taken.
3. 3.Change the password on your primary email from a trusted device, then sign out of every other session. Email is the master key to everything else.
4. 4.Contact DEAT (Tourist Police Rio) on +55 21 2334 6802 to file a report — you'll need the reference number for insurance, banks, and your embassy.

Full 8-step checklist at gacs.app/safe-traveller/rio-de-janeiro

Top 5 scams to watch for

1. 1. Sequestro relâmpago (express kidnapping) via ATM
   Criminals force you to withdraw the daily max at multiple ATMs over several hours.
   Avoid: Always verify Uber licence plate matches app before entering.
   If it happens: Comply, stay calm — Brazilian police advise never resist.
2. 2. Fake police 'passport & cash check'
   Men in plain clothes flash badges and demand to see your wallet 'for counterfeit checks.'
   Avoid: Real Brazilian Police wear uniforms; plainclothes always work with uniformed backup.
   If it happens: Refuse to hand over your wallet; walk toward a hotel, shop, or busy area.
3. 3. Arrastão on Copacabana / Ipanema beach
   A running group robs everyone in their path across the beach — happens in seconds.
   Avoid: Take only cash you can afford to lose to the beach — no phone, no watch, no card.
   If it happens: Do not resist — surrender phone/valuables.
4. 4. GIG airport taxi 3× overcharge
   R$70 metered fare becomes R$250 flat with 'airport surcharge.'
   Avoid: Use the fixed-rate 'táxi comum' voucher desk INSIDE the airport arrivals hall — price posted.
   If it happens: Pay only the metered / voucher amount; photograph licence plate.
5. 5. Motoboy phone snatch at traffic lights
   Motorbike riders snatch phones from open car windows or pedestrians at intersections.
   Avoid: Keep phone below window level in car; don't hold it up to street.
   If it happens: Do not resist or chase — riders are often armed.