Other Tourist Scams in Rio de Janeiro

Drugging-Dating Scam ("Boa Noite Cinderela")

Female criminals approach male tourists in bars, clubs, or via dating apps and build a romantic connection before spiking drinks or food with sedatives. The victim is then robbed of cash, cards, and valuables — often in their own hotel room. The US State Department issued a specific warning about this tactic in February 2025, noting around 40 reported cases in Rio de Janeiro in 2024 alone. Victims often wake with no memory of the crime and discover bank accounts drained via mobile transfers.