Overview
- Recent reports detail a rise in fraud during the summer season, with January 8 coverage issuing fresh advisories for visitors who pay via the instant system.
- The most common scheme, known as the golpe da maquininha, sees vendors altering POS or QR amounts so a small purchase turns into charges of hundreds or thousands of reais.
- Scammers also pose as the Central Bank of Brazil or Pix on WhatsApp, citing a technical error to extract personal data that grants access to digital wallets and bank accounts.
- Promoters have circulated QR codes that lead to fake app downloads carrying malware, though Pix requires no dedicated app and should be accessed only through trusted wallets and official stores.
- Safety guidance urges travelers to verify the terminal amount before authorizing, retain control of their cards, cancel transactions with unreadable screens, enable spending alerts, and avoid unknown links or QR codes.