Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Fortaleza, Brazil

1. Beachfront Scam

Watch out for fake guides offering tours or selling goods on the beach. Always agree on prices beforehand.

Avoid taxis without a meter and negotiate prices beforehand. Be wary of fake police officers asking for bribes.

Overcharging: Taxis without meters may charge exorbitant fees.
Fraudulent Police Officers: Impostors pose as police officers to extort money from tourists.
Unsafe Drivers: Some taxi drivers may drive recklessly for faster trips.

Be cautious of individuals offering unofficial tours at attractions. Always check for official badges or guides provided by the attraction.

Inaccurate Information: Unauthorized guides may provide false information about attractions.
High Fees: Guides may charge higher prices for their services.
Safety Concerns: Unlicensed guides may lead tourists to dangerous areas or situations.

Beware of markets selling counterfeit goods. Only buy from authorized retailers to avoid legal issues and low-quality items.

Low Quality: Counterfeit goods are often poorly made and do not last long.
Legal Issues: Possessing counterfeit goods can lead to legal trouble in Brazil.
Support of Counterfeiting Industry: Buying counterfeit goods supports the illegal production and distribution of such items.

During Carnival, be aware of pickpocketing, overpriced food and drinks, and fake parties promising free access to events.

Avoid eating street food from unhygienic stands and only consume dishes that are being cooked fresh.

Food Poisoning: Unsanitary conditions can lead to foodborne illnesses.
Overpricing: Some vendors may charge higher prices for street food.
Counterfeit Food: Scammers may sell imitation or low-quality versions of popular local dishes.

Use ATMs in well-lit and populated areas. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent skimming.

Skimming: Criminals may attach devices to ATMs to steal card information.
Withdrawal Limitations: ATMs in unsecured areas may have lower withdrawal limits or malfunction.
Theft: Thieves may target ATM users, especially at night or in secluded locations.

Be cautious when booking hotels online. Check reviews and only book through trusted websites.

Fraudulent Websites: Some websites may be fake, charging for a room that doesn't exist.
Poor Quality Rooms: Rooms may not meet the description provided online or be in disrepair.
Unsafe Location: Hotels in unsafe areas may put tourists at risk of theft or other crimes.

Be aware that some casinos may use rigged games or have unfavorable odds. Only play at reputable and regulated establishments.

Rigged Games: Certain games in less reputable casinos may be rigged to favor the house.
Unfavorable Odds: Some games may have higher house edges, making it difficult for players to win.
Theft: Casinos may be targets for pickpocketing or other theft.

Use a VPN when connecting to free Wi-Fi networks in public places to protect your personal information.

Data Theft: Hackers may intercept data transmitted over unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
Malware Infections: Public Wi-Fi networks may have malicious software installed that can infect devices.
Account Hacking: Unsecured connections can make it easier for hackers to gain access to accounts.

Be cautious when donating to street performers or charities. Only give to reputable organizations.

Fraudulent Donations: Scammers may keep donations instead of giving them to the intended charity.
Unauthorized Performances: Street performers may not be authorized, and their performances may disrupt local businesses or attractions.
Theft: Crowds gathered for charity events can make tourists an easy target for thieves.

Research tour operators thoroughly and only book through established companies. Be wary of tours that seem too good to be true.

Overbooking: Tour operators may overbook trips, leaving tourists stranded.
Fraudulent Operators: Some tour operators may not exist or provide subpar service.
Unsafe Conditions: Tour operators may take tourists to dangerous areas or use unsafe vehicles for transportation.

Appreciate street performers but be cautious of those who demand payment or pressure tourists for tips.

Excessive Demands: Some performers may demand excessive amounts for their performances.
Pressure Tactics: Performers may use aggressive tactics to solicit tips or payment.
Unsafe Conditions: Performances near traffic or in crowded areas can pose a risk to tourists.

Research accommodation prices beforehand and compare rates to avoid overpaying. Always negotiate prices or check for better deals.

Price Gouging: Some accommodation providers may charge excessive prices during peak seasons.
Hidden Fees: Additional fees, such as service charges or cleaning costs, may not be disclosed upfront.
Unsafe Locations: Accommodations in unsafe areas can put tourists at risk of theft or other crimes.

Exchange money only at banks or authorized exchange booths. Be aware of unfavorable exchange rates and commissions.

Unfavorable Exchange Rates: Some exchange providers may offer significantly lower rates than the official exchange rate.
Commission Fees: Exchange providers may charge high commission fees on top of the exchange rate.
Counterfeit Money: Unscrupulous exchange providers may offer counterfeit money in return for your cash.