Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Guarulhos, Brazil

1. Airport Taxi Scams

Unlicensed taxi drivers may overcharge or take longer routes. Always use official airport taxis or pre-arrange with a reliable service.

Official Airport Taxis: These are clearly marked and have a uniformed driver.
Pre-arrangement: Booking in advance can ensure a reliable service at a fixed price.
Longer Routes: Unscrupulous drivers may take a longer route to increase the fare.

Some exchange booths may offer poor rates. Stick to banks or reputable exchange offices.

Banks: Provide a secure and reliable way to exchange currency.
Reputable Exchange Offices: Are licensed, regulated, and offer competitive rates.
Poor Rates: Some exchange booths may give a less favorable rate to unsuspecting travelers.

Sellers of fake souvenirs or overpriced items may target tourists. Only buy from reputable shops or markets.

Reputable Shops: Known for selling quality, authentic goods at fair prices.
Markets: Offer a variety of items from multiple vendors and are typically regulated.
Overpriced Items: Some street vendors may charge significantly more for their goods.

Unlicensed guides may overcharge or lead you to scams. Always use an official guide service.

Official Guide Service: Licensed and regulated by local authorities.
Overcharging: Unlicensed guides may demand higher fees than legitimate services.
Scams: These guides may lead you to scammy locations or overpriced stores.

Skimming devices on ATMs can steal your card information. Only use ATMs in well-lit, busy areas or inside banks.

Well-Lit, Busy Areas: Less likely to have skimming devices installed.
Inside Banks: ATMs are more secure and less likely to be tampered with.
Skimming Devices: These devices can steal your card information during a transaction.

Kind strangers offering to help find a lost item may demand payment. Keep valuables secure and be wary of unsolicited offers.

Secure Valuables: Keep your belongings with you at all times.
Unsolicited Offers: Strangers may offer help, but demand payment for their services.
Payment Demands: These scammers may claim they found your item and demand payment for its return.

Shops selling faulty or counterfeit goods may target tourists. Always check reviews and ask for guarantees.

Check Reviews: Avoid shops with negative customer feedback.
Guarantees: Ensure the shop offers a guarantee or warranty on their products.
Faulty or Counterfeit Goods: Some shops sell goods that are not as described or counterfeit.

Fake police officers may ask for a bribe or demand your valuables. Always ask for official identification.

Official Identification: Real police officers will always show their ID.
Bribes: Fake police may ask for a bribe, but real officers do not solicit money.
Demanding Valuables: Real police will not demand your valuables or personal belongings.

Some hotels may overcharge for rooms. Research and compare prices before booking.

Research: Compare prices across multiple platforms to find the best deal.
Comparison: Ensure you're getting a fair price for your accommodation.
Overpriced Rooms: Some hotels may charge significantly more than other nearby options.

Buying tickets from unofficial vendors can result in fake or invalid tickets. Always buy from official outlets.

Thieves may target tourists in crowded areas. Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.

Secure Belongings: Keep valuables close to you and in a safe, concealed location.
Crowded Areas: Thieves may take advantage of the crowd to pickpocket.
Awareness: Stay alert and be mindful of your surroundings to reduce the risk of being targeted.

Some food stalls may serve undercooked or contaminated food. Only eat from reputable vendors.

Public Wi-Fi may not be secure, allowing hackers to access your data. Only use password-protected networks or a VPN.

Password-Protected Networks: Require a password for access and offer a greater level of security.
VPN: Encrypts your data and protects it from being intercepted.
Hackers: Can access your data through unsecured Wi-Fi networks.

Fake charities may solicit donations but not use the funds for their intended purpose. Research charities before donating.

Research: Ensure the charity is legitimate and uses donations effectively.
Legitimate Charities: Registered with local authorities, transparent about their operations, and have a proven track record.
Fraudulent Use of Funds: Donations may not be used for their intended purpose or mismanaged entirely.

Accidents staged to exploit sympathy and demand payment. Be cautious around vehicles offering help or claiming responsibility.

Caution: Avoid interacting with strangers offering assistance after an accident.
False Accidents: Staged accidents to exploit sympathy and demand payment.
Demand for Payment: Scammers may demand payment for damages or medical assistance.