Carnival: find out which are the most common scams applied across the country

Carnival is a time to celebrate, but you can't be lazy. There are a series of scams being applied out there, especially at street parties in Rio de Janeiro.

We have selected some of the scams that are “in fashion” so that revelers can be careful and not fall for any of them.

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Here's a list:

Card Scams

The first is the classic approach card. A suspect passes by with a card machine, approaching your purses and fanny packs, debiting small amounts without you noticing.

So, if possible, before heading out to the blocks, disable card zooming and only use insert mode. Or, if you prefer, leave this card at home.

The other “type” of scam to extract money from your card happens in the hands of a seller: he swipes your card and supposedly there is a problem with the machine. So, with your card number already registered in his system, he pretends to enter it again and looks at the security number on the back. Thus, your card becomes cloned for unauthorized online purchases.

Tip: Prefer to use cash while on the street blocks! 

Pochete Scam

Two or three men pass by you and, without you realizing it, one of them pulls the zipper on your fanny pack, stealing your belongings.  

Tip: Use the fanny pack upside down, with the zipper inside or use a safety lock: a hook, hair elastic or something that prevents them from opening easily. 

Kiss Scam

There are a lot of kisses during Carnival, but they are not always harmless: there are suspects using “free kisses” to distract you and steal your belongings without you noticing.

Tip: Hide your belongings close to your body: use an internal money box, for example, so that no one has access to what you carry. 

Hug Blow

A stranger comes out of nowhere and hugs you. Just like a kiss, it distracts you and robs you. 

Tip: The same as the kiss and the fanny pack.

Theft/gang robbery scam:

You stopped to record a video and someone snatched your cell phone from your hand or realized that someone stole it from you. So, you run after the person, but a group starts running together pretending to be helping you. No, they're making you stop running! 

Tip: Do not use your cell phone in crowds, tie your belongings to your body, buy a safety rope and be surrounded by people you trust when you want to use your cell phone. 

Be careful with the glass!!

Be careful with what you drink, or rather, with the containers: glasses, cans and any drink. Here the warning applies to everyone, but especially to women, who tend to be victims of “good night Cinderella”. Someone could put some substance/drug in your drink!

To prevent this from happening, keep your other hand on top of the glass, protecting the drink. And be careful when buying a freshly made drink (and on the street), such as a caipirinha, to see if nothing other than the standard ingredients have been added to it. 

And when you're going to kiss someone, ask a friend to hold your drink, so you can continue enjoying it without worry.

Take care and have a good carnival!!

See also:

Carnival: why does the date change every year?

The rule is clear: “the year only starts after Carnival”! Do you know why the party doesn't have a fixed date, and changes every year? O Curto News explains it to you.

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