Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil
1. Beachfront Scam
Fraudsters offer beach tours or services but overcharge or provide poor quality. Always agree on prices beforehand and use reputable tour operators.
- Price Overcharging: Be aware of excessive prices for services.
- Reputation Check: Always check the reputation of tour operators before engaging their services.
- Agreement in Writing: Always get any agreements in writing to avoid future disputes.
2. ATM Skimming
Thieves place devices on ATMs to steal card information. Only use ATMs at banks or inside secure locations.
- Secure Location: Avoid using ATMs in unsecured areas.
- Bank ATM Preference: Prefer using bank-owned ATMs whenever possible.
- Cover Screen: Always cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent keyloggers.
3. Taxi Scams
Taxis may overcharge or take longer routes. Use pre-paid taxi services or agree on prices before starting the journey.
- Pre-Paid Taxi Services: Use pre-paid taxi services available at airports or hotels.
- Agreement on Price: Always agree on the price before starting your journey.
- Popular Destinations: Know average prices for common destinations to avoid overcharging.
4. Counterfeit Goods
Sellers may offer counterfeit goods. Buy only from reputable stores or markets.
- Reputable Stores: Always buy from well-known and reputable stores.
- Market Stalls Check: Check the authenticity of goods before buying at market stalls.
- Brand Representation: Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, as they might involve counterfeit goods.
5. Bogus Guides
Fraudulent guides may offer their services and then lead to scams or overcharge. Only use licensed guides provided by tourism offices.
- Licensed Guides: Always choose licensed guides offered by tourism offices.
- Guide Fees: Ask for a fee quote before engaging a guide's services.
- Avoid Street Solicitation: Avoid accepting unsolicited offers from guides on the street.
6. Overpriced Souvenirs
Sellers may overcharge for souvenirs. Compare prices at multiple stores before buying.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices of similar items at various stores to find the best deal.
- Bargaining Skills: Hone your bargaining skills to negotiate better prices for souvenirs.
- Avoid Street Vendors: Purchase souvenirs from reputable stores instead of street vendors.
7. Fake Police Stops
Criminals posing as police officers may stop you and ask for your belongings. Always verify the authenticity of police officers by asking for identification.
- Police Identification Check: Always request to see an officer's identification.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect a scam, report the incident to local authorities immediately.
- Stay Aware of Surroundings: Stay alert and aware of your surroundings to avoid falling victim to these types of scams.
8. Bus Station Scams
Scammers may offer help with tickets or directions at bus stations but then demand money. Use official ticket counters or reputable travel agencies.
- Official Ticket Counters: Always buy tickets from official counters at the bus station.
- Reputable Travel Agencies: Consider using reputable travel agencies for bookings and ticket purchases.
- Avoid Solicitation: Be wary of unsolicited offers for help at bus stations.
9. Street Food Scams
Unscrupulous vendors may serve undercooked or contaminated food. Only eat street food from trusted sources.
- Trusted Sources: Find recommended street food vendors through locals or online reviews.
- Cleanliness Check: Check the cleanliness of the food stall and the appearance of the vendor.
- Avoid Alleyway Vendors: Avoid eating street food from vendors located in alleys or secluded areas.
10. Bar Scams
Bars may overcharge for drinks or serve watered-down alcohol. Research popular bars with good reviews beforehand.
- Good Reviews: Choose bars with positive online reviews.
- Hourly Pricing: Ask about hourly pricing or happy hours to find the best deals.
- Check Drinks Before Paying: Before paying, make sure you receive the drinks you ordered.
11. Accommodation Scams
Fraudulent accommodations may offer subpar rooms or charge excessively. Book through reputable platforms or agencies.
- Reputable Platforms: Book accommodations through well-known online travel platforms.
- Agency Verification: Verify the legitimacy of accommodation agencies by checking reviews and ratings.
- Payment Methods: Choose accommodations that offer secure payment methods, such as credit cards.
12. Dating Scams
Scammers may attempt to win your trust for financial gain. Be cautious when sharing personal information online and never send money to strangers.
- Personal Information Protection: Never share sensitive personal information with strangers online.
- Avoid Money Transfers: Refuse to send money to people you meet online, no matter the reason given.
- Meet in Public Places: If meeting someone in person, always do so in a public place and let others know your plans.
13. Sim Card Scams
Unscrupulous sellers may provide sim cards with hidden charges. Buy sim cards from official retailers or reputable stores.
- Official Retailers: Buy sim cards only from official retailers of telecommunications companies.
- Read Terms and Conditions: Always read the terms and conditions before purchasing a sim card to avoid hidden fees.
- Check Coverage: Ensure that the sim card offers coverage in the areas you plan to visit.
14. Exchange Scams
Unlicensed exchange providers may offer unfavorable exchange rates or charge additional fees. Use authorized exchange offices or banks.
- Authorized Exchange Offices: Exchange currency only at authorized exchange offices or banks.
- Compare Rates: Compare exchange rates at multiple locations before making a transaction.
- Avoid Street Exchanges: Never exchange money on the street to avoid potential scams.
15. Charity Scams
Fraudulent collectors may ask for donations under false pretenses. Research charities before giving and ensure they are legitimate.
- Legitimate Charities: Only donate to well-known, legitimate charities.
- Donation Receipts: Always ask for a receipt when making a donation.
- Online Research: Research charities online to ensure they are genuine and reputable.