GACS Safe TravellerRio de Janeiro tourist scams: what to watch for, how to react
Rio's risks are more serious than most European cities: express kidnapping via ATM (sequestro relâmpago), fake police stops, beach arrastões (group robberies), and taxi overcharging from GIG airport.
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Top 5 scams in Rio de Janeiro
Sequestro relâmpago (express kidnapping) via ATM
Criminals force you to withdraw the daily max at multiple ATMs over several hours.
How it works
Victims are pulled into a car (sometimes a fake Uber) and driven to multiple ATMs, forced to withdraw the daily maximum (~R$1,500) at each. Cycle stops after midnight so they can withdraw a new day's maximum. Most releases are unharmed if victim complies.
How to avoid it
- Always verify Uber licence plate matches app before entering.
- Never accept unsolicited 'taxi' offers, especially at night.
- Set your daily ATM withdrawal limit to a low amount before travelling.
If it happens: do this now
- Comply, stay calm — Brazilian police advise never resist.
- Once released, call 190 or 197 (DEAT tourist police) immediately.
- Freeze all cards from your banking app.
Fake police 'passport & cash check'
Men in plain clothes flash badges and demand to see your wallet 'for counterfeit checks.'
How it works
Occurs around Copacabana, Ipanema, and Lapa. Two men flash badges, claim they're checking for counterfeit real / drug money, and pocket cash or swap cards during the 'inspection.'
How to avoid it
- Real Brazilian Police wear uniforms; plainclothes always work with uniformed backup.
- Real officers NEVER need to inspect your cash.
- Say you'll walk with them to the nearest delegacia (police station).
If it happens: do this now
- Refuse to hand over your wallet; walk toward a hotel, shop, or busy area.
- Call 190 (police) immediately.
- File report at DEAT (tourist police, 21 2334-6802) at Leblon.
Arrastão on Copacabana / Ipanema beach
A running group robs everyone in their path across the beach — happens in seconds.
How it works
Groups of 10–30 (often teenagers) run down the beach in a sweep grabbing phones, watches, bags, and money — sometimes with knives. Common near sunset in Copacabana; police response is fast but the group scatters into surrounding streets.
How to avoid it
- Take only cash you can afford to lose to the beach — no phone, no watch, no card.
- Keep bag between your legs, closed, or in a beach hotel storage locker.
- If a running group approaches, lie down face-down until they pass; do not chase.
If it happens: do this now
- Do not resist — surrender phone/valuables.
- Report to DEAT tourist police at Av. Afrânio de Melo Franco 159, Leblon.
- Insurance requires the Boletim de Ocorrência (BO) — file within 24h.
GIG airport taxi 3× overcharge
R$70 metered fare becomes R$250 flat with 'airport surcharge.'
How it works
Freelance taxis at GIG (Galeão) claim meters are broken or add 'airport,' 'luggage,' 'toll' surcharges. Real metered fare to Zona Sul (Copacabana/Ipanema) is R$70–R$110.
How to avoid it
- Use the fixed-rate 'táxi comum' voucher desk INSIDE the airport arrivals hall — price posted.
- Uber and 99 (Brazilian ride-share) both work at GIG — pickup on ground floor per app.
- Real Rio Coop taxi has meter and doesn't add surcharges.
If it happens: do this now
- Pay only the metered / voucher amount; photograph licence plate.
- Report to ANTT (federal transport authority) at antt.gov.br.
- Dispute card charges within 60 days.
Motoboy phone snatch at traffic lights
Motorbike riders snatch phones from open car windows or pedestrians at intersections.
How it works
Very common on Avenida Atlântica (Copacabana) and Aterro do Flamengo. Riders on 125cc motorbikes cruise beside cars/pedestrians and snatch phones from hands or open windows — sometimes as passengers hold them up for GPS.
How to avoid it
- Keep phone below window level in car; don't hold it up to street.
- Walk on the inside of the pavement (away from road).
- Enable Find My device before you land.
If it happens: do this now
- Do not resist or chase — riders are often armed.
- Report to DEAT tourist police for the BO (police report).
- Remotely wipe phone via Find My.
Emergency numbers in Brazil
Local police & anti-fraud 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
Most embassies are in Brasília; Rio has consulates for major countries in Copacabana/Botafogo. Check itamaraty.gov.br.
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GACS Safe Traveller — Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Updated 2026-07-14. Source: https://gacs.app/safe-traveller/rio-de-janeiro
© 2026 GACS — Global Anti-Crime & Safety. Published as a public safety guide. Content updated monthly from government advisories, local police guidance, and verified traveler reports.
Sources: US State Department, UK FCDO Foreign Travel Advice, Australian Smartraveller, local police advisories, and reports verified by GACS. Content updated monthly.
