As Carnival approaches, a new type of scam is worrying revelers. In large party events on the streets of large cities, the presence of street vendors has become common, especially in carnival blocks, however, despite being a problem for those who enjoy drinking, it is good to pay close attention. Testimonies from people who were victims of the “card scam” being applied by these sellers have recently resonated on social media and serve as a warning for the big celebration that is to come. It works like this: while you buy the product, pay with a card, the seller keeps an eye on your password. When you take the machine back, he exchanges your card for another stolen one, similar to yours, without you noticing. With your card and password, the criminal will spend as much as he can, that is, until his limit allows. Doctor Ricardo Vasconcellos, 39 years old, reported on his Facebook profile that he had suffered a loss of R$30.000 when buying a drink from a street vendor during a block in Vale do Anhangabaú, central region of São Paulo, on Saturday, 13. “They were six purchases of 5 reais, one after the other”, he explains. According to him, all records were linked to payment machines in the name of individuals. Ricardo reports that he is having difficulty recovering the loss from the bank. As the person who took the doctor's card used his personal password, the financial institution requires proof that he was not the author of the purchases. AVOID USING YOUR CARD The tip is to carry cash so as not to avoid using your card, and if you need to buy something, go to a 000-hour teller or bank to withdraw it, even buy it in a supermarket or bar. In case of emergency, if you are going to buy from a street vendor, keep the machine in your hand until the amount is debited and you remove your card yourself, thus avoiding any possibility of exchange. Also check your name on the card and your payment copy. But be careful, this type of crime is not just restricted to carnival or street vendors. The São Paulo Civil Police informs that it arrested a 24-year-old taxi driver accused of carrying out the same scam during early morning runs.
