Scam in BrazilTheft
Carjacking in Brazil
How it works
Criminals attack someone near or inside a vehicle, rob them and take the car. Some attacks develop into a forced trip to an ATM.
Warning signs
- Suspicious people are waiting near your vehicle.
- Someone appears to follow you after you leave a bank.
- You are approaching a car in a deserted or poorly lit place.
How to avoid it
- Check the area around your car before approaching.
- Have your keys ready so you can enter promptly.
- After leaving a bank, check whether anyone is following you.
- Before parking at your hotel, look around nearby corners and building entrances.
If it happens to you
Do not resist or try to protect the car. Follow demands and contact police on 190 once you are safe.
- Get somewhere safe. Do not chase a thief or resist an armed robber.
- Get medical help if you are injured or may have been drugged. Call 192 for a medical emergency.
- Block stolen cards and secure affected accounts. Ask your bank to review unauthorised charges or forced withdrawals.
- Write down what happened. Keep receipts, messages, trip details and any other evidence. Ask accommodation staff to preserve relevant visitor records.
- Report the incident to police and request a copy or reference number. Call 190 if the crime is ongoing or you need urgent police help.
- Contact your insurer. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen or you need help dealing with local authorities.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Government advice2026Brazil travel adviceCanadian authorities report that armed carjackings commonly occur at intersections and in tunnels, particularly at night in isolated areas.Read on Government advice
- Government adviceSafety and security - Brazil travel advice - GOV.UKBritish authorities warn of carjackings on major roads and in tunnels and advise particular caution at traffic lights.Read on Government advice
- Redditr/travel2023Is Rio actually safe?A commenter visiting Brazilian family reported that their cousin installed bulletproof car windows after previously being carjacked.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the carjacking scam in Brazil?
Criminals attack someone near or inside a vehicle, rob them and take the car. Some attacks develop into a forced trip to an ATM.
How can I spot it early?
Suspicious people are waiting near your vehicle. Someone appears to follow you after you leave a bank. You are approaching a car in a deserted or poorly lit place.
How do I avoid carjacking in Brazil?
Check the area around your car before approaching. Have your keys ready so you can enter promptly. After leaving a bank, check whether anyone is following you. Before parking at your hotel, look around nearby corners and building entrances.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Do not resist or try to protect the car. Follow demands and contact police on 190 once you are safe.
Where in Brazil does this happen?
Across Brazil, with specific warnings about attacks near or inside cars in Brasília.
How common is this scam in Brazil?
Occasional. Theft and robbery are serious concerns in Brazil, but the risk varies widely by city and area. Travellers should watch for pickpockets, bag snatching, theft by room visitors, taxi overcharging and fake branded goods. Some robberies involve weapons or forced ATM withdrawals.
Are there similar scams in Brazil?
Yes: pickpocketing and unwanted touching, bag snatching, street robbery and armed mugging.
Who can I report it to?
Police emergency service: call the toll-free number 190 for a crime emergency. Give your location and explain whether anyone is injured or still in danger. Civil Police (Polícia Civil): report theft or fraud at a police station and ask for a report or reference number. The Civil Police handles investigations. Arrange language help if needed. Fortaleza tourist police (Delegacia do Turista): visit Avenida Historiador Raimundo Girao 805, Praia Iracema, by Hotel Travel Iracema, formerly Othon. Call +55 85 3101 2488. Some English is spoken. Your card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact details to block cards, secure accounts and report suspicious transactions. Hotel or apartment reception: report room theft immediately. If a visitor may be involved, ask staff to preserve their registration details and share them with police. Your embassy or consulate: contact your country's official embassy or consulate service for passport assistance or problems involving law enforcement. Your travel insurer: use the insurer's official claims channel. Keep police records, receipts and evidence of your loss.
What number do I call in an emergency in Brazil?
Police and crime emergencies: 190, Medical emergencies: 192, Firefighters: 193.
Reviewed by @snuck