São Paulo taxi driver indicted for R$30,000 fraud against Argentine tourist

A taxi driver in São Paulo, Brazil, has been indicted for electronic fraud after charging an Argentine Boca Juniors supporter R$30,350 for a trip that should have cost R$30.75. The incident occurred on September 15, while the tourist was in Brazil for a Copa Sudamericana match.

The driver, identified as Marcos Oliveira de Morais, claimed to the police that he believed the excess funds were a “tip” or “donation.” However, investigators from the Tourist Care Police Delegation (DEATUR) stated they believe the driver acted in bad faith. Morais reportedly used R$19,000 of the money to pay off debts and offered to repay the remainder in monthly installments.

Police intercepted the driver during a routine traffic stop, seizing his vehicle, cell phone, and payment machine. The taxi was also flagged for administrative irregularities regarding its fleet status. As of the latest reports, approximately R$11,700 has been returned to the victim, and the driver remains free while the legal process continues.