Other Tourist Scams in Salvador, Brazil
Timeshares, fake police, charity fraud, and miscellaneous scams targeting visitors. Below are the other scams scams reported in Salvador — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Valparaíso, Mendoza, and Buenos Aires.
Last updated: April 4, 2026
5
Other Scams Scams
13
Total in Salvador
How it works
Salvador's Carnival is one of the world's largest, with street circuit crowds of hundreds of thousands creating extreme pickpocketing conditions. Drink spiking incidents (using burundanga or similar substances) have been documented in bar areas behind the circuit cordons, targeting tourists who accept drinks from strangers. Phone and jewelry snatching from paraded floats and crowd edges is common.
How it works
Distinct from Carnival drink spiking, this scheme operates year-round through dating apps and bar encounters. Criminals — often an attractive individual or small group — match with tourists online or approach them at bars in Rio Vermelho and Barra, establish trust over a short period, then spike drinks with scopolamine (burundanga) or similar sedatives. Victims wake up hours later with phones, cash, and bank cards drained via forced ATM withdrawals or contactless payments. The U.S. Embassy issued a specific security alert about this scam across Brazil in February 2025.
How it works
Individuals dressed in Candomblé ceremonial attire or posing as religious practitioners approach tourists near the Pelourinho churches and offer blessings, prayers, or colorful Senhor do Bonfim ribbons tied to the wrist. Once the ribbon is tied, payment is aggressively demanded, sometimes at amounts of R$50 to R$200. Refusing after the ribbon is on results in harassment.
How it works
Individuals posing as plainclothes police officers or tourism police approach tourists in Pelourinho and near the waterfront, claiming to investigate drug possession or counterfeit currency. They demand to inspect wallets, bags, and passports. If the tourist complies, cash is taken during the inspection or the officer demands a fine to avoid arrest. Real Brazilian police rarely stop tourists for document checks without a uniformed officer present.
How it works
Inside and around the Mercado Modelo craft market at the base of the Elevator Lacerda, individuals claiming to be fortune tellers or Candomblé practitioners initiate friendly conversation with tourists, then transition into offering a reading or spiritual consultation. After spending time with the tourist they demand significant payment, sometimes R$50–R$200, and use spiritual threats or curses to pressure compliance.
See all scams in Salvador
13 total warnings across all categories