Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil

All Topics about Sorocaba All Cities in Brazil

1. Street Vendors Scam

Be wary of overpriced goods or fake items sold by street vendors. Some may even use distraction tactics to steal from you.

Price Awareness: Know the standard prices of common items to avoid overpaying.
Avoid Distractions: Stay alert and focused when interacting with vendors to avoid distraction scams.
Shop in Reputable Locations: Buy from established shops or markets to reduce the risk of encountering scammers.

Some taxi drivers may try to overcharge or take you to unwanted destinations. Be cautious and only use registered taxis.

Registered Taxis Only: Always use officially registered taxi services with visible identification.
Fixed Rates: Ask for a price quote before entering the taxi to avoid unexpected charges.
Inspect Vehicle ID: Check the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the dashboard to ensure it matches the information provided by the driver.

Criminals may use skimmers to steal your card information from ATMs. Use ATMs located in secure and well-lit areas.

Secure Locations: Choose ATMs that are inside banks, malls, or other secure locations.
Cover Your Keypad: Cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN to prevent shoulder-surfing.
Inspect the ATM: Check for any suspicious devices or alterations on the machine before using it.

Pickpockets operate in crowded areas like markets and tourist spots. Keep your belongings secure and close to your body.

Secure Belongings: Use a cross-body bag or backpack with a zipper and keep it closed at all times.
Avoid Distractions: Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions that may lead to theft.
Don't Display Valuables: Minimize the display of valuable items like smartphones or wallets in public areas.

Some restaurants may overcharge tourists for meals. Research and choose reputable restaurants to avoid this.

Research Prices: Check online reviews and prices of local restaurants before visiting.
Avoid Street-Side Restaurants: Choose restaurants located inside buildings or in popular areas to reduce the risk of overpricing.
Check Menu Prices: Look for clearly displayed menu prices before sitting down to eat.

Some tour guides may offer inflated prices or take you to unwanted destinations. Choose reputable tour operators.

Research Tour Operators: Check online reviews and ratings of tour operators before booking a tour.
Ask for Recommendations: Seek recommendations from local residents or your hotel staff.
Check Contract Details: Make sure the contract includes all costs and services before signing up for a tour.

Counterfeit bills may be used in some shops or by taxi drivers. Check your money carefully.

Inspect Money Carefully: Feel the bill, look for security features like holograms and watermarks.
Use ATMs or Banks: Exchange money at banks or authorized exchange offices to reduce the risk of receiving counterfeit bills.
Pay Attention When Receiving Change: Always count your change carefully and check for the correct amount.

Some hotels may overcharge or offer subpar services. Research hotels before booking to avoid this.

Research Hotels Online: Check online reviews and prices of hotels before booking.
Ask for Recommendations: Seek recommendations from local residents or your travel agent.
Check Contract Details: Make sure the contract includes all costs and services before signing up for a hotel room.

Some individuals may pose as police officers to extort money or steal your belongings. If stopped by the police, ask for identification.

Ask for Identification: Legitimate police officers will always show you their ID.
Stay Calm and Confident: Remain calm and confident, but assertive in asking for identification.
Don't Follow Them: Do not follow the officer to a distant location. If you feel unsafe, find a crowded area or go to a police station.

Scammers may target tourists during carnivals with ticket scams, pickpocketing, or overpriced goods. Be cautious and aware of your surroundings.

Research Carnival Prices: Check online for prices of carnival tickets, food, and souvenirs before attending.
Stay Aware: Keep your belongings secure and close to your body during the carnival.
Avoid Distractions: Stay alert and focused on your surroundings to avoid distraction scams.

Fake charities may approach you asking for donations. Only donate to reputable organizations.

Research Charities Online: Check the legitimacy of a charity online before making a donation.
Ask for Proof: Request proof of the charity's registration and purpose before donating.
Donate at Official Locations: Donate at official collection points or registered charities to ensure your donation is going to a legitimate cause.

Scalpers may sell tickets for events at inflated prices. Only buy tickets from official sources.

Buy Tickets from Official Sources: Always purchase tickets directly from the venue or authorized ticket vendors.
Check Event Websites: Check official event websites for information on ticket prices and availability.
Be Wary of Deals That Seem Too Good to be True: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid ticket scalpers offering extremely low or high prices.

Some internet cafés may install keyloggers to steal your personal information. Use reputable and secure cafés.

Research Internet Cafes Online: Check reviews and ratings of internet cafes before using them.
Use Secure Websites: Always use secure websites (HTTPS) when accessing sensitive information online.
Avoid Entering Sensitive Information: Avoid entering sensitive information like passwords or credit card numbers while using public computers.

Some car rental companies may try to upsell unnecessary insurance or services. Be aware of what is included in your contract.

Read the Contract Carefully: Thoroughly review the contract before signing to understand what is included.
Ask Questions: Ask the rental company for clarification on any unfamiliar terms or charges.
Compare Prices and Services: Shop around for car rentals to find the best deal and services for your needs.

Some accommodation booking websites may offer fake listings or charge additional fees. Use reputable and secure platforms.

Research Accommodation Websites Online: Check the legitimacy of a website by reading reviews, checking ratings, and verifying its SSL certificate.
Read Contract Details: Make sure the contract includes all costs and services before booking accommodation.
Pay with a Secure Method: Use secure payment methods like credit cards or PayPal to protect yourself from fraud.