Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Caxias do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

1. Falsified Taxis

Watch for unofficial taxis without a meter or official signage. Use radio-taxi services or apps instead.

Avoid street currency exchange. Use banks or official exchange offices.

Risk of Fake Money: Street exchanges may provide counterfeit money.
Favorable Exchange Rates: Official exchange offices offer competitive rates.
Security Measures: Banks and official exchanges have security features to protect your money.

Book accommodations through reputable websites or agencies. Avoid street vendors offering deals that seem too good to be true.

Poor Quality Accommodation: Street vendors may offer substandard accommodations.
Potential Overcharging: Reputable websites and agencies ensure fair pricing.
Scams and Frauds: Street vendors may use deceptive practices.

Book tours through licensed agencies or reputable websites. Avoid street vendors offering tours at unusually low prices.

Low Quality Tour Guides: Street vendors may provide unskilled tour guides.
Potential Safety Risks: Licensed agencies prioritize safety and security.
Scams and Misrepresentation: Street vendors may misrepresent tours or attractions.

Avoid street food vendors and opt for restaurants with health department certificates.

Foodborne Illness Risk: Street food vendors may use unhygienic practices.
Taste and Quality: Certified restaurants offer quality food and service.
Safety Inspections: Health department-certified restaurants undergo regular inspections.

Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centers. Avoid using card readers at unattended stations.

Skimming Devices: Unattended card readers may have skimming devices.
Security Measures: Banks and shopping centers have security features to protect your card.
Account Security: Monitor your account for any suspicious activity.

Buy a SIM card at official retailers. Be wary of strangers offering you a SIM card.

Stolen or Counterfeit Cards: Strangers may offer stolen or counterfeit cards.
Data Theft: Official retailers have security measures to protect your personal information.
Unusual Costs: Strangers may charge higher prices or add hidden fees.

Be cautious when strangers offer help or friendship. They may lead you into a scam.

Money Requests: Strangers may ask for money under the pretext of friendship.
Personal Information Collection: Strangers may gather personal information for fraudulent purposes.
Distraction Techniques: Strangers may use distractions to steal your belongings or pickpocket you.

Be generous but cautious. Ensure the performer is not hiding a scam or fraudulent activity.

Scams and Frauds: Performers may use distractions to steal your belongings.
Legitimate Causes: Supporting local charities can be beneficial, but verify their legitimacy first.
Unsolicited Help: Help should not be requested without your consent or agreement.

Keep your belongings close and secure. Avoid overly crowded areas.

Theft of Valuables: Pickpockets target valuables such as wallets, phones, and jewelry.
Security Measures: Secure storage options are available at hotels and hostels.
Distraction Techniques: Pickpockets may use distractions to steal your belongings.

Avoid participating in unsolicited lotteries or sweepstakes. They are often scams.

Non-Existent Prizes: Unsolicited lotteries and sweepstakes may not have actual prizes.
Personal Information Collection: Scammers may collect your personal information for fraudulent purposes.
Request for Money: Scammers may ask for money to receive the non-existent prize.

Be wary of suspicious emails asking for personal or financial information. Do not click on links or provide sensitive data.

Identity Theft: Phishing scams may lead to identity theft.
Financial Loss: Scammers may steal your money or commit fraud using your financial information.
Malware and Viruses: Phishing emails may contain malware or viruses that harm your devices.

Support local artists but be cautious. Ensure the performance is genuine and not a scam.

Scams and Frauds: Performers may use distractions to steal your belongings.
Supporting Local Culture: Supporting local artists enriches the cultural experience.
Personal Information Collection: Performers may gather personal information for fraudulent purposes.

Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centers. Be cautious of card skimming devices.

Card Skimming Devices: Skimming devices may be attached to ATMs to steal your card information.
Security Measures: Banks and shopping centers have security features to protect your card.
Account Security: Monitor your account for any suspicious activity.

Rent cars from reputable agencies. Inspect the car thoroughly before driving away.

Damaged Vehicle Rental: Rental agencies may charge for damages that were already present.
Unfair Practices: Reputable agencies follow fair rental practices.
Scams and Misrepresentation: Rental scammers may misrepresent the vehicle or its condition.