UK tourists have been warned about a beach scam in Brazil that has left visitors out of pocket by hundreds or even thousands of pounds. The scam involves vendors using contactless payment terminals to overcharge unsuspecting customers, often adding extra zeros to the amount.
One British tourist reported being charged £590 for two slices of barbecued cheese after the vendor turned the terminal away from her and added two zeros. Another victim from Argentina paid nearly £3,000 for a corn on the cob that should have cost just £3.
Other incidents include a Colombian tourist being charged £400 for a caipirinha, and two Argentinians paying £1,000 for two cups of açaí. Victims often do not speak Portuguese and are unable to verify the amount before tapping their card or phone.
Patricia Alemany, head of Rio's tourist police, said her team is working to catch the criminals operating on Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. She blamed a lack of government oversight for creating a "disorderly" atmosphere that allows scammers to thrive.
