Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Brasilia, Brazil
April 14, 2020
Location: Brazil
Event: The U.S. Embassy in Brasilia would like to provide the following update on the security situation in Brazil related to COVID-19, including resources for personal safety and planning.
Authorities in several states have confirmed press reports of increased cyber-crimes that involve the use of email, cell phone messages, and various social engineering ruses to trick the user into providing personally identifiable information that could leave them vulnerable to associated financial or personal crimes. The U.S. Embassy has also confirmed media reports of criminals posing as public health workers and police to assault individuals and residences.
Several state authorities across Brazil have announced prisoner release strategies to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. As is common during regularly scheduled, seasonal prisoner furloughs throughout Brazil, some municipalities do experience correlated spikes in crime.
To minimize the risk of infection, several states and municipalities have announced the reduction of non-essential police services to investigate attempted crimes, and other non-life threatening crimes. These reductions could include Polícia Civil investigators and municipal transportation authorities such as DETRAN for the resolution of car accidents. Updates on the ongoing availability of such services can be found on the websites of each of Brazil’s 26 states and the Federal District. As of April 14, front-line first responders such as Polícia Militar and Bombeiro fire brigades in most cities are operating at full capacity.
Actions to Take:
- Know how to contact the local authorities.
- Employ ongoing personal security measures and be aware of your surroundings to minimize the risk of street theft and assault.
- Exercise prudent caution when responding to inquiries from unknown sources in this environment.
- In the event any individual(s) appears at your residence claiming to be a police officer or public health official, contact local authorities and do not open your door to individuals whose visit you are not expecting.
- Visit the State Department’s website for information on how to prepare for a crisis while in the U.S. or overseas
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Brazil.
Assistance:
United States Embassy and Consulates General in Brazil:
U.S. Embassy Brasilia
SES – Av. das Nações, Quadra 801, Lote 03
Brasília, DF – 70403-900
Phone: (61) 3312-7000
After-Hours Emergencies: (61) 3312-7400
E-mail: BrasiliaACS@state.gov
Embassy Branch Office in Belo Horizonte
Avenida do Contorno, 4520 / 2nd floor – Funcionários
Belo Horizonte, MG – 30110-028
Telephone: +55 (31) 3338-4000
E-mail: BrasiliaACS@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Recife
Rua Goncalves Maia, 163 Bairro Boa Vista
Recife, PE – 50.070-060
Phone: (81) 3416-3050
After-Hours Emergencies: (81) 99916-9470
Email: RecifeACS@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Rio de Janeiro
Av. Presidente Wilson, 147 Castelo
Rio de Janeiro, RJ — 20030-020
Entrance at Rua Santa Luzia
Phone: (21) 3823-2000
After-Hours Emergencies: (21) 3823-2029
Email: ACSRio@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General São Paulo
Rua Henri Dunant, 500,
Chácara Santo Antonio,
São Paulo, SP — 04709-110
Phone: (11) 3250-5000
After-Hours Emergencies: (11) 3250-5373
E-mail: SaoPauloACS@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Porto Alegre
Avenida Assis Brasil, 1889 Passo d’Areia
Porto Alegre, RS – 91350-110
Phone: 51-3345-6000
After-Hours Emergencies: 51-3345-6000
Email: PortoalegreACS@state.gov
For further information:
- StateDepartment – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444 - Brazil Country Specific Information
- Enroll in Safe Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)to receive security updates
- Follow us on Facebookand Twitter
Note: The timestamp on this e-mail message may reflect Washington, D.C. time, which may differ from local time.
