An unsuspecting visitor at a popular tourist beach faced a shocking £1,500 bill for a kebab. In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a con artist was apprehended at the renowned Copacabana beach for allegedly manipulating a payment terminal to overcharge a British tourist. The tourist ended up paying £1,480 (10,000 reais) for a kebab that should have cost her only £15 (100 reais) after the price on the terminal was altered. Authorities stated that the payment machine had been tampered with, resulting in the victim being charged significantly more than the actual price.
A series of bold scammers have targeted tourists on Brazilian beaches in recent times. The police in Brazil reported the arrest of a criminal who engaged in a card machine fraud against a British tourist in Copacabana. The detained individual was part of an organized fraudulent scheme that primarily targeted foreigners in popular areas like Ipanema and Copacabana, as per O Globo.
The head of Rio’s tourist police, Patricia Alemany, mentioned that their team (DEAT) is actively pursuing and apprehending individuals attempting to deceive tourists for financial gain. She highlighted the lack of supervision over street vendors on the beach, which fosters an environment conducive to such criminal activities.
In another incident, a woman from Argentina was billed nearly £3,000 (20,000 reais) for corn on the cob with margarine, a dish that should have cost only £3 (20 reais). She expressed her confusion due to her lack of understanding of Portuguese. Additionally, a tourist from Colombia was charged around £400 (2,500 reais) for a caipirinha cocktail, a traditional Brazilian drink.
Recently, a scam involving “Goodnight Cinderella” spiked where tourists, especially in Brazil, were targeted by sedative-laced drinks leading to theft of money, belongings, and passports. British tourists are considered easy targets due to their unfamiliarity with the surroundings, possession of valuables, and lack of awareness of potential dangers in the area.
A 21-year-old Brit shared his experience of passing out after consuming a drink offered by three women during his holiday. He was found unconscious on a beach in Brazil but was rescued by a bystander. This incident sheds light on the risks faced by tourists and the need for vigilance while traveling.