Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Boa Vista, Roraima, Brazil
1. Beach Scam
Scammers offer help with beach items or services and then demand payment. Avoid by declining unsolicited offers.
- Unaffordable Prices: Prices for services or items can be inflated, making them unaffordable to the average traveler.
- False Guides: Scammers may pose as local guides to lure tourists and ask for payment later.
- Distraction Tactics: Scammers often use distractions, such as asking for help or engaging in conversation, to steal from unwary travelers.
2. ATM Scam
Scammers use skimming devices on ATMs to capture card information. Use well-lit, busy areas with official bank logos.
- Skimming Devices: Skimming devices are placed over the ATM card reader to steal card data.
- Camera Surveillance: Scammers may also use cameras to record PIN numbers during transactions.
- Fake ATMs: Counterfeit ATMs are installed in less busy locations and designed to capture cards or card data.
3. Taxi Scam
Taxis may overcharge tourists or take longer routes. Use pre-paid taxi services or negotiate prices beforehand.
- Overcharging: Taxis may charge inflated prices, especially for tourists.
- Long Routes: Some taxi drivers take longer routes to increase fares.
- Non-functional Meters: Taxis may have non-functional meters or refuse to use them, demanding a higher fare.
4. Faux Tour Guide Scam
Unlicensed tour guides may offer services and then demand more money or take tourists to unauthorized locations.
- No License: Tour guides who are not licensed can offer poor quality services or take tourists to unwanted destinations.
- Extra Fees: Guides may ask for additional fees or demand payment for services not agreed upon.
- Dangerous Locations: Unlicensed guides may take tourists to dangerous areas, putting them at risk.
5. Counterfeit Goods Scam
Vendors sell fake goods, such as jewelry or electronics. Always buy from reputable stores and verify authenticity.
- Low Prices: Counterfeit goods are often sold at prices that seem too good to be true.
- Poor Quality: The quality of counterfeit goods is usually poor, and they may break or stop working quickly.
- Health Risks: Counterfeit items, such as makeup or food, can pose health risks due to the use of substandard materials.
6. Currency Exchange Scam
Unlicensed exchange services may offer poor exchange rates or charge hidden fees. Use official banks or licensed exchange offices.
- Poor Rates: Exchange services may offer lower-than-market exchange rates.
- Hidden Fees: Some unlicensed exchanges charge hidden fees or inflate the exchange rate to earn a profit.
- Theft: Unreputable exchange services may steal cash or traveler's checks after an exchange.
7. Hotel Room Scam
Rooms are rented without the knowledge of the hotel management. Be sure to book through reputable sources.
- No Refunds: Bookings made outside of official channels may not be refundable if canceled.
- Poor Conditions: Rooms rented through unofficial channels may have poor conditions or be unsafe.
- Theft of Personal Items: Rooms not associated with official hotels may lack security, increasing the risk of theft.
8. Street Food Scam
Food vendors may use contaminated ingredients or charge higher prices. Eat at reputable restaurants or follow food safety guidelines.
- Contaminated Ingredients: Street food vendors may use expired, poor-quality, or contaminated ingredients.
- Hidden Fees: Some street food vendors charge higher prices than advertised.
- Foodborne Illnesses: Eating contaminated food can lead to foodborne illnesses, ruining your trip.
9. Overpriced Souvenirs Scam
Vendors may charge inflated prices for souvenirs. Compare prices at multiple shops and negotiate.
- Inflated Prices: Souvenir vendors may charge prices far above the market rate.
- Poor Quality: Overpriced souvenirs may be of poor quality or not as described.
- Pressure to Buy: Vendors may use high-pressure tactics to force purchases, making it difficult to compare prices.
10. Fake Police Scam
Scammers dress as police officers and ask for bribes or demand money for supposed fines. Carry a copy of your passport and visa and know the local laws.
- Bribery: Scammers may ask for bribes in exchange for letting you go.
- Fines for Fictitious Offenses: Scammers may claim you have committed a crime and demand payment for the supposed fine.
- Identity Theft: Scammers may steal your personal information, such as your passport details, during these encounters.
11. Carnival Games Scam
Carnival games are rigged to make it difficult or impossible to win. Avoid games with high stakes or unclear rules.
- Rigged Games: Carnival games may be manipulated to ensure that the scammers win.
- High Stakes: Games with high stakes or expensive prizes are more likely to be rigged.
- Unclear Rules: Games with unclear rules or complex mechanics may be designed to confuse and cheat players.
12. Fake Petition Scam
Scammers collect signatures on fake petitions or clip personal information from them. Avoid signing petitions from unknown sources.
- Identity Theft: Personal information, such as addresses and phone numbers, can be stolen from the petition signatures.
- Data Mining: Scammers may use collected data for marketing or fraudulent purposes.
- Wasted Time: Signing fake petitions wastes time and resources without achieving any real goals.
13. Charity Scam
Scammers pose as charity collectors and ask for donations. Research charities before donating to avoid scams.
- Fake Charities: Scammers may create fake charities or claim to represent legitimate ones without their permission.
- No Donations Reach Recipients: Donations may not reach the intended recipients due to mismanagement or embezzlement.
- Pressure Tactics: Scammers may use high-pressure tactics, such as emotional appeals or threats, to solicit donations.
14. Pickpocketing Scam
Thieves pick pockets in crowded areas. Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings.
- Crowded Areas: Pickpockets often target crowded areas where it is easy to blend in.
- Distractions: Thieves may use distractions, such as bumping into you or dropping something, to distract you while pickpocketing.
- Theft of Valuables: Pickpockets target wallets, smartphones, and other valuable items.
15. Festival Scam
Scammers take advantage of large festivals by selling counterfeit tickets or overpriced goods. Purchase tickets from official sources and be cautious of vendors.
- Counterfeit Tickets: Scammers may sell fake or invalid tickets, leaving you without entry to the festival.
- Overpriced Goods: Vendors may charge inflated prices for goods, such as food and souvenirs, during festivals.
- Identity Theft: Scammers may steal personal information, such as credit card numbers or addresses, when handling transactions.