Question 1

What is the "Drug Mule Recruitment Email Scam" scam in Rio de Janeiro?

Accepted Answer

Fraudsters contact tourists and travelers via email or social media before or during their visit to Brazil, offering a financial reward to carry items — parcels or luggage — to or from Brazil on their behalf. The UK FCDO specifically warns that these items frequently contain illegal drugs, and anyone caught faces prosecution for drug trafficking regardless of claimed ignorance. Variations involve scammers impersonating legitimate shipping companies or customs officials. Never agree to carry packages, luggage, or any items for strangers or unsolicited contacts, regardless of the reward offered. If you receive an unsolicited offer to transport items involving Brazil, do not respond and report it to local authorities.

Question 2

What is the "Fake Online Tour Operator" scam in Rio de Janeiro?

Accepted Answer

Fraudulent tour companies set up professional-looking websites advertising Corcovado, favela, and Carnival tours at attractive prices and collect full payment upfront — then never show up at the pickup point. A documented case involving "Rio Tours" listed on platforms like Viator resulted in multiple travelers finding the address was an apartment and the phone permanently unanswered. Travel And Tour World flagged a surge in such scams in early 2026, noting Latin America as a high-risk region for fraudulent booking sites. Only book tours through platforms that hold payment until tour completion (GetYourGuide, Viator with verified operators) or directly through hotel concierges. Verify any operator has a physical office and CADASTUR registration (Brazil's official tourism operator registry). Do not pay cash or via bank transfer to unverified operators.

Online Scams in Rio de Janeiro

Drug Mule Recruitment Email Scam

Fake Online Tour Operator

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