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Occasional in Brazil

Scam in BrazilTheft

Flash kidnapping and forced ATM withdrawals in Brazil

Near or inside victims' cars, sometimes followed by a drive to an ATM.

How it works

Attackers rob a person near or inside their car. They may keep the owner with them and force them to withdraw money from cash machines. These attacks can involve further violence.

Warning signs

  • Someone approaches your car in an isolated place.
  • A stranger approaches to ask for information at night.
  • Suspicious people are near your car after a bank visit.

How to avoid it

  1. Walk with company where possible.
  2. Avoid deserted and poorly lit places.
  3. Stay alert when leaving banks and approaching your car.
  4. Avoid withdrawing or carrying large amounts of money.

If it happens to you

Do not resist. Once released and safe, call 190. Contact your bank immediately to secure your accounts and report forced withdrawals.

  1. Get somewhere safe. Do not chase a thief or resist an armed robber.
  2. Get medical help if you are injured or may have been drugged. Call 192 for a medical emergency.
  3. Block stolen cards and secure affected accounts. Ask your bank to review unauthorised charges or forced withdrawals.
  4. Write down what happened. Keep receipts, messages, trip details and any other evidence. Ask accommodation staff to preserve relevant visitor records.
  5. 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.
  6. Contact your insurer. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen or you need help dealing with local authorities.
Where it happensNear or inside victims' cars, sometimes followed by a drive to an ATM.Brasília

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in BrazilPolice involvement in scams or robbery: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the flash kidnapping and forced ATM withdrawals scam in Brazil?

Attackers rob a person near or inside their car. They may keep the owner with them and force them to withdraw money from cash machines. These attacks can involve further violence.

How can I spot it early?

Someone approaches your car in an isolated place. A stranger approaches to ask for information at night. Suspicious people are near your car after a bank visit.

How do I avoid flash kidnapping and forced ATM withdrawals in Brazil?

Walk with company where possible. Avoid deserted and poorly lit places. Stay alert when leaving banks and approaching your car. Avoid withdrawing or carrying large amounts of money.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Do not resist. Once released and safe, call 190. Contact your bank immediately to secure your accounts and report forced withdrawals.

Where in Brazil does this happen?

Near or inside victims' cars, sometimes followed by a drive to an ATM. It has been reported 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.

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