Beneath the vibrant surface of bustling tourist hotspots like Rio de Janeiro, a dark undercurrent exists, one that holidaymakers need to be aware of. Sophisticated scams, often referred to as "Goodnight Cinderella" schemes, target unsuspecting visitors, leaving them drugged, robbed, and vulnerable.
These scams typically involve gangs of attractive women who prey on tourists in bars and clubs. They discreetly spike drinks with powerful sedatives, rendering their victims unconscious or severely incapacitated. Once incapacitated, the tourists are stripped of their valuables, including cash, phones, and credit cards.
The term "Goodnight Cinderella" originates from the fairytale-like scenario where a seemingly charming encounter quickly turns into a nightmare. Victims often wake up with no memory of the previous night, only to discover they have been robbed and potentially exposed to significant danger.
One particularly alarming aspect of these scams is the use of potent drugs such as Rohypnol (a benzodiazepine), GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate), or similar substances often associated with date rape. These drugs can cause memory loss, blackouts, paralysis, and in severe cases, even respiratory failure, posing a significant threat to the victim's health and safety.
A concerning trend is the perception of British travelers as "easy prey." According to detectives, they often carry high-limit bank cards, expensive smartphones, and lack familiarity with the local environment, making them attractive targets for these criminal groups.
Professor Bayard do Coutto Boiteux, from the Rio de Janeiro Tourism Ambassadors Association, highlights a disturbing connection to sex tourism. He suggests that some tourists seeking such experiences may inadvertently put themselves at greater risk.
He cautioned that when tourists come to Rio de Janeiro specifically "looking for sex tourism... a number of things can happen because there is no effective control by the authorities over prostitution." This pursuit can lead to a lapse in judgment and an increased vulnerability to scams.
Boiteux emphasizes the importance of exercising caution and avoiding taking strangers back to one's accommodation, whether it's a hotel or an Airbnb. "Never take anyone to the place where you are staying. Never. Not to an Airbnb, not to a hotel," he warns, highlighting the potential danger of inviting unknown individuals into a private space.
Many hotels in Rio de Janeiro have implemented safety measures, such as requiring visitors to leave identification at reception when escorting a guest to their room. This precaution helps deter potential scammers and provides a record in case of an incident.
The "Goodnight Cinderella" scam isn't confined to British tourists. Travelers from other countries, including the United States, have also fallen victim to these schemes. This underscores the importance of vigilance for all visitors, regardless of their nationality.
In one tragic instance, a Minnesota entrepreneur, D'wayne Antonio Morris, was found dead in his Copacabana apartment after being drugged and robbed by two women he met in Rio's nightlife district. Surveillance footage captured the suspects leaving in a black car, highlighting the organized nature of these criminal operations.
Another horrifying case involved two Chilean friends who were allegedly drugged, assaulted, and thrown into a ravine after a night out in the Lapa district. One of the friends, Ronald Tejeda, tragically died from head injuries, while the other sustained severe injuries.
Andrés Orellana, the surviving friend, offered a simple yet crucial piece of advice: "Always keep a close eye on whatever you're drinking." This underscores the importance of being vigilant and protecting one's drink from potential tampering.
According to Boiteux, men are disproportionately affected by these scams. "We actually have statistics that 70 per cent of people who suffer this scam are men," he noted, further emphasizing the risk for those who bring escorts back to their accommodation.
The primary motive behind these scams is typically theft, not violence. Scammers aim to steal belongings such as money, jewelry, clothing, and phones. However, the potential for violence and serious harm should not be underestimated, given the use of potent drugs.
Boiteux urges visitors to follow basic safety rules, the most important of which is to never leave your drink unattended and to keep it in your sight at all times. Watch exactly how your drink is being made and never accept drinks from strangers unless you are certain of their origin.
Furthermore, it's crucial to inform someone of your whereabouts when going out with someone you've just met. "Every time a tourist gets involved with someone and wants to take that person somewhere, they must tell a friend. Communicate," Boiteux advises. "Say, 'I'm going with a girl I met on the street, with a boy I met on the street. I'm going to this place,' so that you have some support if needed."
Beyond bars and clubs, criminals are increasingly utilizing dating apps like Tinder and Grindr to target victims. They lure individuals to private meet-ups before drugging and robbing them. This tactic is not limited to Rio de Janeiro; similar incidents have been reported in São Paulo.
The rise of instant payment systems in Brazil, such as PIX, has further facilitated these crimes. Thieves can quickly drain victims' accounts through these systems, often using accounts that are difficult to trace.
Cybersecurity experts warn that these scams are not limited to heterosexual men. Users on Grindr have reported extortion and blackmail attempts, as well as "lightning kidnappings" where they are briefly held until they transfer large sums of money.
The UK Foreign Office issues a warning to travelers about the risks of dating apps in Brazil, stating that they have been used by criminals to target foreign nationals, leading to drink spiking, robbery, and theft from bank accounts.
The Foreign Office also advises travelers to be cautious about sexual assault and drink spiking, urging them to buy their own drinks and keep them in sight. If you begin to feel strange, sick, or drunk after only a couple of drinks, tell a trusted friend or security staff and seek immediate medical assistance.
Ultimately, vigilance, awareness, and adherence to basic safety precautions are essential for protecting oneself from becoming a victim of the "Goodnight Cinderella" scam or similar crimes while traveling in Brazil.