Scams in Rio de Janeiro
If you live in Rio de Janeiro or were targeted by a scam connected to Rio de Janeiro, this page is your starting point. We surface active scam patterns in this city, recent reports posted by the community, and the right place to file an official complaint locally.
Frequently asked questions
What scams are most common in Rio de Janeiro?
Across reports submitted to ScamGuard for Rio de Janeiro, the most common active scams are USPS / FedEx delivery smishing, fake IRS or local-tax calls, Zelle/Venmo "wrong recipient" scams, fake job offers over WhatsApp, and pig-butchering crypto scams via dating apps.
How do I report a scam in Rio de Janeiro?
Three places: ScamGuard (so the community gets warned in hours), the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov, and your local consumer-protection office or attorney general. Many states also accept reports through their AG website.
Are there phone-number prefixes used by scammers in Rio de Janeiro?
Scammers frequently spoof local area codes to look familiar. A call appearing to be from Rio de Janeiro can still originate anywhere. Caller-ID spoofing is illegal in the US under the Truth in Caller ID Act but enforcement is hard, so treat unsolicited calls from any number as suspect.
Where can I get help recovering money in Rio de Janeiro?
Start with your bank's fraud line within 24 hours. File a police report — it is required for many bank reimbursements. For wire transfers contact your bank immediately to attempt a SWIFT recall. For crypto, file with IC3 (US) or your country's cybercrime unit.
Related guides
Report what you saw
Every report helps the next person spot the scam in seconds. It's anonymous and takes under a minute.
Report a scam