Originally Posted by
mikew99
A few months ago, my U.S. debit card was cloned. This was discovered immediately after the thieves withdrew the maximum R$1000. I still don't know how it happened, because I always check the card slot for unusual devices.
Originally Posted by
Swissaire
I finally changed banks to something a little closer on Washington Soares Blvd. two years ago. But I realize opening a bank account in Brasil is not easy, and most tourists will not have that luxury. Be very careful with your currency, and use a hidden moey belt rather than a big, fat wallet or purse.
Credit card fraud is pretty active in Brasil. I would advise your home bank fraud unit of your travel plans, including departure dates and returns, well prior to travelling.
My experience is the opposite. The only time I had my credit cards cloned was in Orlando, FL. Both the Visa and the Mastercard. It was a pain in the back to sort out all legitimate charges from the fraud ones.
Thereīs also another point to it and thatīs the fact that the vast majority of cards issued in the US donīt have a chip and donīt rely on a PIN number to validate a transaction. This is common rule in Europe and, believe it or not in Brazil, and greatly reduces fraud.
Regarding to Swissaireīs commentary above, tourists canīt open a bank account in Brazil. You need to be a permanent resident to do that.