Brazilian Beach Vendors Scam Tourists with Fake Card Payments

You're on vacation, and you stop to buy some snacks from a beach vendor in Rio de Janeiro. You pay with your debit card, but when you check your account, you're shocked to see you've been charged a fortune. This is what happened to Lisa Selby, a British tourist who was charged £590 for two slices of barbecued cheese. The scam she fell victim to is simple: the vendor shows you the right price on the card reader, but then adds extra zeros before you tap to pay.

By the time you realise what's happened, it's too late. Selby's story isn't unique - other tourists have fallen victim to the same scam. Last month, a British man was duped into paying £1,500 for a kebab, while an Argentinian tourist discovered a £3 corn on the cob had cost her £3,000. These incidents show that the scam is becoming more common.

He showed me the right number on the contactless terminal, but then turned it round to face him and, unbeknownst to me, added two zeros just as I was about to tap with my phone, said Lisa Selby. She immediately alerted her bank, Monzo, but was told that since the transaction was authorised, it couldn't be reversed. Monzo later refunded her as a goodwill gesture, but only after being contacted by Guardian Money. This refund was a one-off, and it won't necessarily happen in all similar cases.

The scam exposes a gap in UK consumer protection. If you're tricked into sending money to a scammer by bank transfer, you're usually entitled to a refund from your bank. However, if you're a victim of a face-to-face vending scam, you're unlikely to get your money back unless you can produce evidence that you were overcharged. This is what happened to Selby, who didn't have an invoice or receipt showing the agreed price. She couldn't prove that she'd been overcharged, so she had to rely on her bank's goodwill.

So, what can you do to avoid being scammed? Holidaymakers are advised to pay mobile vendors in cash, or to insist on holding the card reader to insert or swipe their card themselves. This way, you can prevent a last-minute alteration to the price. It's also a good idea to keep an eye on your account and to report any suspicious transactions to your bank immediately. You shouldn't wait - if you notice something's wrong, you should contact your bank right away.

The Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates UK banks, confirmed that pending transactions can't usually be reversed, and that chargebacks are a voluntary service offered by card issuers. If you're unhappy with your bank's response, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service. For now, tourists visiting Rio de Janeiro need to be aware of the scam and take steps to protect themselves. They shouldn't assume that their bank will automatically refund them if they're scammed.

In Rio, the scam is becoming more common. Unscrupulous traders are taking advantage of tourists who are unfamiliar with the local currency and are less likely to notice a doctored sum. A common ploy is to ask the customer to confirm the correct figure on the card reader, then to alter it surreptitiously before the card is presented. Some scammers thrust their card reader at the customer's card or phone to complete the payment before the customer has checked the total. This makes it difficult for the customer to notice that something's wrong.

And it's not just tourists who are at risk. The scam can happen to anyone who uses a card to pay for a purchase. So, the next time you're buying something from a street vendor or a small shop, make sure to check the price carefully before you pay. It's always better to be safe than sorry. You don't want to end up like Selby, who was left shocked and out of pocket.

The scam is a reminder that even in tourist areas, you need to be careful when using your card to pay for purchases. By being aware of the scam and taking steps to protect yourself, you can avoid becoming a victim. And if you do fall victim to the scam, don't hesitate to contact your bank and report the incident. You shouldn't wait - the sooner you report it, the better.

As the number of scams increases, tourists need to be more vigilant than ever. They should always check the price before paying and never let the vendor handle their card or phone. It's also a good idea to use a card with a low limit, so even if you do get scammed, the damage will be limited. You can't be too careful when it comes to your money.

In the end, it's up to you to protect yourself from scams like this. By being aware of the risks and taking steps to mitigate them, you can have a safe and enjoyable vacation. So, the next time you're in Rio de Janeiro, be careful when using your card to pay for purchases, and always keep an eye on your account. You don't want to end up losing money to scammers.