Travellers to Rio de Janeiro face a growing scam targeting debit card payments at beach vendors. The con works by vendors deliberately adding zeros to card reader displays, multiplying the actual bill by 100 or more.
Lisa Selby fell victim when purchasing two slices of barbecued cheese. The vendor quoted 40 reais (about £5.90) but manipulated the card terminal to charge 4,000 reais (£590) instead. Other tourists have suffered far worse. One visitor paid £1,500 for a kebab. Another was charged £3,000 for corn on the cob at a Rio beach stall.
The scam exploits tourists' unfamiliarity with Brazilian currency and the speed of beach transactions. Vendors work quickly, often with tourists distracted by the beach environment or language barriers. Once the card reader displays an inflated amount, many travellers pay without checking the number carefully. By the time they spot the fraud, the transaction has processed.
Brazilian authorities have issued warnings about the scheme after multiple complaints. The scam concentrates around Rio's busiest beaches, including Copacabana and Ipanema, where foot traffic from international visitors peaks during summer months.
Travellers heading to Brazil should take precautions when using cards for small purchases. Always verify the amount shown on the card reader before entering your PIN. Request itemized receipts. Consider carrying cash in small denominations for beach vendors instead, and use established restaurants for meals rather than informal beach stalls.
The scam highlights broader payment safety issues in Brazil's tourism sector. While most vendors operate legitimately, the prevalence of this particular con suggests tourists need heightened awareness. Stick to major credit cards with fraud protection when possible, and report any suspicious charges to your bank immediately. Rio remains a major destination for British travellers, but street-level payment vigil