Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Serra, Espírito Santo, Brazil

1. Beach Vendors Scam

Vendors overcharging tourists or selling poor quality goods on Serra's popular beaches.

Know Prices: Become familiar with average prices for common items to avoid overpayment.
Negotiation Skills: Practice negotiating prices to get a fair deal.
Avoid Isolated Areas: Stay in busy, well-lit areas to avoid being taken advantage of.

Taxi drivers using incorrect meters or taking long routes to increase fares.

Use Registered Taxis: Always use registered taxis with visible identification numbers.
Confirm Fares Beforehand: Ask for the fare before starting your journey to avoid surprises.
Use App-Based Services: Opt for app-based taxi services, which often have transparent pricing.

Unlicensed guides offering tourist services but providing poor or misleading information.

Check Credentials: Ask for credentials and verify them to ensure the guide is licensed.
Research Online: Research recommended guides online before hiring one.
Avoid Solo Walks: Stay in groups or follow marked tourist paths to avoid being approached by unlicensed guides.

Selling fake branded goods, especially in markets and shopping districts.

Know the Brand: Become familiar with authentic packaging and quality of popular brands.
Purchase from Reputable Stores: Buy goods from reputable stores or malls to minimize the risk.
Trust Your Instincts: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Exchange bureaus offering unfair exchange rates or charging hidden fees.

Research Rates: Research average exchange rates beforehand to avoid being ripped off.
Use Reputable Services: Opt for established, reputable currency exchange services.
Avoid Rush Hours: Exchange currencies during non-peak hours to get better service and avoid long lines.

Fraudsters posing as charity collectors, exploiting tourists' sympathy.

Check with Locals: Ask locals about legitimate charities to support.
Donate Responsibly: Research local charity organizations and donate directly to them.
Be Alert: Stay aware of your surroundings, as fraudsters may take advantage of distraction.

Criminals using skimming devices to steal financial information from tourists' bank cards.

Use Well-Lit Areas: Always use well-lit, busy ATMs in reputable locations.
Cover Inputs: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent shoulder surfing.
Monitor Accounts Regularly: Regularly monitor your account for any unauthorized transactions.

Accommodations overbooking and denying service to tourists.

Book in Advance: Always book accommodations well in advance to avoid issues.
Use Reputable Services: Choose reliable booking platforms or agencies for accommodation reservations.
Check Reviews: Read reviews and check ratings of accommodations before booking.

Restaurants serving contaminated food to unsuspecting tourists.

Choose Hygenic Restaurants: Select restaurants with good hygiene practices, clean facilities, and positive reviews.
Avoid Street Food: Minimize consumption of street food to reduce the risk of contamination.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of bottled water and avoid tap water, especially in less hygienic areas.

Locals or fellow tourists pretending to be friendly to gain trust for financial gains.

Maintain Awareness: Stay alert and maintain a degree of skepticism when interacting with strangers.
Share Sensible Information: Avoid sharing sensitive personal or financial information with strangers.
Trust Your Instincts: If a situation feels fishy, it probably is. Trust your instincts and move on.

Thieves picking pockets of unsuspecting tourists in crowded areas.

Use a Money Belt: Store your valuables and important documents in a money belt beneath your clothes.
Secure Your Belongings: Keep bags closed, zipped, and in front of you at all times.
Stay Aware: Remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings to minimize the risk of pickpocketing.

Finding a tourist's lost item and then asking for a reward or payment.

Report Lost Items: Immediately report any lost items to the authorities.
Suspect Finders: Be wary of anyone who claims to have found a valuable item, as they may attempt to scam you.
Don't Rush: Take your time to verify the authenticity and value of any found items before rewarding finders.

Hotels or cafes overcharging for Wi-Fi access.

Research Prices: Check prices for Wi-Fi access in advance to avoid being ripped off.
Use Prepaid Cards: Opt for prepaid Wi-Fi cards or mobile hotspots for affordable, convenient internet access.
Negotiate Rates: Negotiate Wi-Fi prices with hotel management to get a fair deal.

Taxis or bus drivers overcharging tourists for rides.

Know Fares: Research average fares for transportation beforehand to avoid being overcharged.
Ask for Receipts: Always ask for receipts, and verify the fare against your research.
Negotiate Prices: Negotiate prices before starting your journey to avoid surprises.

Unscrupulous ticket sellers offering overpriced or fake event tickets.

Buy Tickets in Advance: Purchase tickets for popular events in advance from reputable sources to avoid scalping.
Check Official Sources: Always buy tickets from official event organizers or their authorized ticket vendors.
Avoid Last-Minute Purchases: Buy tickets as early as possible to minimize the risk of scams and ensure availability.