# Traveler fraud and scams in Brazil

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/traveler-fraud-and-scams-in-brazil
> Updated: 2026-08-13T18:19:28.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

Brazilian authorities are investigating various fraudulent schemes targeting travelers. In Pará, ‘Operation Praia Deserta’ led to the arrest of two brothers suspected of travel package and airline ticket fraud causing losses of nearly R$ 400,000. Additionally, victims in Rio de Janeiro reported losing over R$ 38,000 to a Ceará-based agency for a trip to Chile that failed to materialize.

Criminal activity targeting tourists has also expanded to include the ‘Boa Noite, Cinderela’ scam in Rio de Janeiro. Authorities arrested two sisters in São Gonçalo for their involvement in using substances like clonazepam to incapacitate tourists in areas such as Lapa and Pedra do Sal. These victims, including citizens from the United States, Canada, and Turkey, suffered thefts of electronics, jewelry, and unauthorized bank transfers, with one reported loss exceeding R$ 130,000.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-13: Brazil crime: Officials shot and tourist scammers arrested

Police in Brazil have arrested two women for drugging tourists in Rio de Janeiro, while a Portel official was shot six times and a man in Mato Grosso was kidnapped by mistake.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rio-de-janeiro-police-arrest-sisters-for-tourist-robbery-scam

### 2026-08-10: Brazil authorities investigate travel scams totaling hundreds of thousands of reais

Brazilian authorities are investigating travel scams in Belém and Ceará, with two men arrested in Pará for fraud totaling nearly R$ 400,000 involving unfulfilled tourist packages.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-authorities-investigate-travel-scams-totaling-hundreds-of-thousands-of-reais

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Cite as: Traveler fraud and scams in Brazil. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/traveler-fraud-and-scams-in-brazil