Chile warns its citizens in Brazil from fraud, theft

Santiago, June 23 (IANS/EFE) The Chilean government has warned its nationals travelling to Brazil for the 2014 World Cup, of theft and fraud, and urged them to take care of their belongings.

Local media quoted Chilean Minister of Economy and Tourism Luis Felipe Cespedes urging football supporters to buy matches' tickets from the official FIFA website and official premises, in order to avoid a fraud, reports EFE.

The minister warned that purchasing tickets from unofficial outlets would ban supporters' entry to the games. He reassured them that the Chilean Consumer Protection authority will oversee the travel deals for the World Cup in Brazil.

The Brazilian city of Salvador, one of the 12 World Cup venues, has witnessed 128 crimes against foreign tourists since the start of the mega event June 12, according to the Public Security Bureau in the state of Bahia.

Chile has ensured qualification to the round of 16 after winning their first two games. They face the Netherlands in their final group game Monday to compete for Group B top spot.

--IANS/EFE

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