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Common in Brazil

Scam in BrazilTheft

Pickpocketing and unwanted touching in Brazil

Crowded streets, tourist areas, beaches and public transport. Specific warnings cover central Fortaleza, Beira Mar and Porto Alegre's Historic District.

How it works

Someone takes valuables from your pocket or bag. In Fortaleza, be especially careful around beggars who keep touching you. Unwanted contact can make it harder to notice a theft.

Warning signs

  • Someone repeatedly touches you or your belongings.
  • A stranger gets unusually close in a crowd.
  • Your bag or phone is exposed and easy to reach.

How to avoid it

  1. Keep bags closed and in front of you in crowds.
  2. Keep phones, passports and wallets out of easy reach.
  3. Step away from unwanted touching.
  4. Watch your belongings when boarding or leaving public transport.

If it happens to you

Move somewhere safe. Check what is missing, block stolen cards and report the theft to police.

  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 happensCrowded streets, tourist areas, beaches and public transport. Specific warnings cover central Fortaleza, Beira Mar and Porto Alegre's Historic District.Florianópolis, Fortaleza, Porto Alegre

What travellers report

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

More scams in BrazilBag snatching: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the pickpocketing and unwanted touching scam in Brazil?

Someone takes valuables from your pocket or bag. In Fortaleza, be especially careful around beggars who keep touching you. Unwanted contact can make it harder to notice a theft.

How can I spot it early?

Someone repeatedly touches you or your belongings. A stranger gets unusually close in a crowd. Your bag or phone is exposed and easy to reach.

How do I avoid pickpocketing and unwanted touching in Brazil?

Keep bags closed and in front of you in crowds. Keep phones, passports and wallets out of easy reach. Step away from unwanted touching. Watch your belongings when boarding or leaving public transport.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Move somewhere safe. Check what is missing, block stolen cards and report the theft to police.

Where in Brazil does this happen?

Crowded streets, tourist areas, beaches and public transport. Specific warnings cover central Fortaleza, Beira Mar and Porto Alegre's Historic District. It has been reported in Florianópolis, Fortaleza, Porto Alegre.

How common is this scam in Brazil?

Common. 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: bag snatching, street robbery and armed mugging, carjacking.

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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