Travel scamsCards and ATMs
ATM and card scams
44 reported in 35 countries. How each works and how to avoid it.
- ItalyOccasionalATM card skimmingCriminals fit a skimming device over the card slot. It copies card details so they can clone your card.
- TürkiyeCommonCharging a card in the wrong currencyThe seller quotes a price in Turkish lira but enters the same number in euros or US dollars. Paying by card does not protect you from this trick.
- TürkiyeCommonATM currency conversion at a poor rateThe ATM converts the withdrawal into your home currency at a poor exchange rate. This is called dynamic currency conversion, or DCC. Some machines do not let you decline it. This is a costly payment practice rather than hidden theft.
- United KingdomOccasionalATM card, PIN and cash theftThieves may attach a device that traps your card, place a camera above the keypad to record your PIN, or take your card or cash as it comes out.London
- GermanyCommonHigh fees at independent ATMsThese machines usually charge high convenience fees for withdrawals. This is a fee risk rather than evidence that the machine is fraudulent.
- GermanyOccasionalPoor ATM currency conversionAn ATM may offer to convert the withdrawal into your home currency. This service, called Dynamic Currency Conversion, may use a poor rate with an exchange markup.
- ThailandOccasionalATM home-currency conversionThe ATM offers to charge your card in your home currency instead of Thai baht. Accepting gives you a poor exchange rate. This is a costly conversion offer rather than card theft.
- PortugalCommonHigh ATM fees and poor exchange ratesSome areas have many Euronet ATMs. These charge high fees and offer poor exchange rates. This is a cost trap rather than a claim that the machines steal card details.
- MalaysiaCommonATM currency conversion markupThe ATM offers to convert the withdrawal into your home currency. Its exchange rate includes a markup, making the withdrawal more expensive.
- MalaysiaCommonHigh ATM withdrawal feesSome ATMs charge high withdrawal fees. This is a cost trap rather than necessarily fraud. Euronet machines are specifically flagged for high fees.
- MalaysiaOccasionalCredit card and online shopping fraudCard fraud can occur when paying a dishonest seller or shopping online. The exact method is not specified.
- PolandCommonATM conversion markups and withdrawal feesAn ATM may offer to convert a withdrawal into your home currency at a poor rate. A separate withdrawal fee may also apply. These are cost traps; a displayed fee alone does not mean fraud.
- CroatiaCommonHigh ATM feesSome ATM operators charge high fees for withdrawals. This is a cost trap rather than evidence of card theft or fraud.
- VietnamOccasionalATM fee without a clear warningVIB is described as charging a withdrawal fee without warning. This is a fee-transparency issue; no card-skimming method is described.
- SwitzerlandOccasionalFull card number exposed on a receiptSome establishments may print the entire credit card number on a receipt. This exposes sensitive details and creates a risk of identity theft. The receipt itself is not proof of fraud.
- MoroccoOccasionalATM fees that are not displayedAn ATM may show no withdrawal fee and provide no receipt, yet a fee later appears on your bank account.
- IndonesiaOccasionalATM card skimming and cloningCriminals copy card details at an ATM. They may also capture your PIN and use the copied card to take money.
- Czech RepublicOccasionalCostly ATM withdrawalsA withdrawal carries an ATM fee, and the machine may offer only 1,000 Kč notes. These are costly withdrawal terms rather than a described card-skimming method.Prague
- HungaryCommonHigh ATM fees and poor conversion ratesA withdrawal can carry a large operator fee on top of your own bank's charges. The Debrecen Airport machines are also described as offering a poor exchange rate. These are costly transactions rather than a described theft method.Budapest, Debrecen
- IndiaCommonCard skimmingCard details are copied and used for fraud. Losses can be large.
- AustraliaOccasionalATM card skimmingCriminals tamper with an ATM to record card details. A camera may also record your PIN.
- AustraliaOccasionalATM cash trappingCriminals alter an ATM so that withdrawn cash stays trapped inside. The transaction may appear successful even though you receive no money.
- BulgariaVery commonATM card skimmingCriminals attach hidden devices to ATMs to steal card details and PINs. They then use the details for unauthorised payments or withdrawals.
- AlbaniaCommonPoor ATM currency conversionThe ATM offers to convert the withdrawal into your home currency. This is called dynamic currency conversion, or DCC. Its exchange rate can be much worse than your bank's rate. It is a costly offer rather than evidence of card theft.
- South AfricaOccasionalUnwanted ATM help and stuck-card consA con artist offers to help with an ATM transaction. A stuck card can leave you exposed to unwanted help or card loss.Cape Town
- South AfricaOccasionalArmed robbery at ATMsA robber threatens you at an ATM and may force you to withdraw money.Johannesburg
- NorwayOccasionalHome-currency conversion at paymentA payment screen offers to convert the Norwegian kroner amount into your card's home currency. Accepting the conversion can give you a worse rate. This is a payment cost trap, not necessarily fraud.
- ChileOccasionalATM card skimmingCriminals attach a hidden card reader and a tiny camera to an ATM. They copy your card details and record your PIN so they can clone the card.
- ChileOccasionalPayment card fraudCard details may be misused for fraudulent payments. No specific method beyond ATM skimming is described.
- CubaCommonCard fraud and disguised cash advancesA dishonest employee takes your card away and uses it to obtain a cash advance instead of processing the expected purchase. They keep the money. Other credit card scams are also reported.
- TanzaniaOccasionalATM fees that are not shown before withdrawalAn ATM withdrawal attracts a local fee that may not appear before you confirm. This is a fee-transparency problem; the account does not describe card skimming.
- LaosOccasionalATM cancellation and missing-cash problemsThere are reports of an ATM continuing after cancellation in Huay Xai and failing to dispense cash in Luang Namtha. These are reported transaction problems, not established evidence of card skimming or deliberate fraud.Huay Xai, Luang Namtha
- EstoniaCommonPayment-card skimming in clubsSome establishments copy payment-card details. Those details can then be used for unauthorised payments.Tallinn
- GuatemalaOccasional5B ATM fees and withdrawals after cancellationThese machines have reported high fees. Some transactions reportedly continue even after the user presses cancel.Flores
- GuatemalaOccasionalBI ATM debit without cashSome MasterCard users report being charged for a withdrawal without receiving the cash. This may be a machine or transaction fault.Flores
- NamibiaOccasionalATM card trappingAn ATM appears to swallow your card and does not return it after you enter your PIN. Treat an unexpectedly retained card as a possible scam.
Reviewed by @snuck