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Occasional in Guatemala

Scam in GuatemalaCards and ATMs

5B ATM fees and withdrawals after cancellation in Guatemala

Yellow 5B ATMs in the Flores area, including Flores island

How it works

These machines have reported high fees. Some transactions reportedly continue even after the user presses cancel.

Warning signs

  • The machine is a yellow 5B ATM.
  • The screen shows a large fixed fee plus a percentage fee.

How to avoid it

  1. Read all fees before confirming.
  2. Do not assume pressing cancel means no withdrawal occurred; check your account.
  3. Consider asking for a card cash withdrawal at the BAC Bank teller in Santa Elena.
  4. Bring your passport if using the BAC teller service.

If it happens to you

Record the machine's location, time and transaction details. Check your account and contact your card issuer about an unwanted or disputed debit.

  1. Get to a safe, staffed place. If someone threatens you with a weapon, do not resist.
  2. Check whether anyone is injured. Seek medical help if needed.
  3. Freeze stolen cards and contact your card issuer about disputed withdrawals. Lock a stolen phone remotely and contact your mobile provider.
  4. Write down what happened, including the time, location, vehicle details and amounts. Save receipts and screenshots without confronting the person involved.
  5. Report the incident to police. In Antigua, ask the Tourist Police for help. Request a report or reference number.
  6. Contact your insurer. If your passport is missing or you need serious assistance, contact your embassy or consulate.
What it can costReported fees are about Q50 per transaction plus 7.5% of the withdrawal amount.
Where it happensYellow 5B ATMs in the Flores area, including Flores islandFlores

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in GuatemalaBI ATM debit without cash: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the 5B ATM fees and withdrawals after cancellation scam in Guatemala?

These machines have reported high fees. Some transactions reportedly continue even after the user presses cancel.

How can I spot it early?

The machine is a yellow 5B ATM. The screen shows a large fixed fee plus a percentage fee.

How do I avoid 5B ATM fees and withdrawals after cancellation in Guatemala?

Read all fees before confirming. Do not assume pressing cancel means no withdrawal occurred; check your account. Consider asking for a card cash withdrawal at the BAC Bank teller in Santa Elena. Bring your passport if using the BAC teller service.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Record the machine's location, time and transaction details. Check your account and contact your card issuer about an unwanted or disputed debit.

Where in Guatemala does this happen?

Yellow 5B ATMs in the Flores area, including Flores island It has been reported in Flores.

How much can it cost me?

Reported fees are about Q50 per transaction plus 7.5% of the withdrawal amount.

How common is this scam in Guatemala?

Occasional. The main risks in Guatemala are theft, armed robbery, unsafe taxi rides and inflated fares. Phone theft is especially common, while some cash machines in Flores have reported fee and withdrawal problems. Risk varies by place: Antigua's centre is safer in daylight, and Flores island is described as very safe.

Are there similar scams in Guatemala?

Yes: bI ATM debit without cash.

Who can I report it to?

Police: report robbery, theft, kidnapping or fraud once you are safe. Ask your accommodation to help you reach police and request a written report or reference number. Tourist Police in Antigua: ask for help with an incident in Antigua. Your accommodation can help you find them. Card issuer or bank: use the contact details in your banking app or on your card. Freeze stolen cards and report ATM debits without cash or other disputed transactions. Taxi Amarillo / Amarillo Express: for a complaint about a booked ride, contact 1766 or servicioalcliente@amarilloexpress.com. Keep your booking and trip details. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen, someone is being held or you need serious assistance. Travel insurer: use your policy's assistance or claims contact. Keep police reports, receipts and evidence of losses.

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