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Occasional in Nigeria

Scam in NigeriaCards and ATMs

ATM card cloning in Nigeria

ATMs, with a specific warning about airport ATMs without a security guard

How it works

Your card details are copied when you use an ATM. They can then be used for transactions you did not approve.

Warning signs

  • The airport ATM has no security guard watching over it.
  • The card slot or keypad looks loose, damaged or altered.

How to avoid it

  1. Prefer an ATM at a staffed bank branch.
  2. Inspect the card slot and keypad before using the machine.
  3. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
  4. Check your account regularly after using your card.

If it happens to you

Freeze the card and contact your bank immediately. Report suspicious transactions and ask for a replacement card.

  1. Get somewhere safe. If a robber is armed, stay calm, cooperate and do not chase them.
  2. Freeze any stolen or exposed cards. Contact your bank and dispute payments you did not approve.
  3. If your phone was stolen, use another device to lock it remotely and secure your email, banking and other important accounts.
  4. Save receipts, booking details, transaction records and a short account of what happened. Record vehicle details only if it is safe.
  5. Report the incident to the police and ask for a report reference or written record.
  6. Contact your embassy if you need help, especially after robbery or passport theft. Notify your insurer if you plan to claim.
Where it happensATMs, with a specific warning about airport ATMs without a security guard

What travellers report

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

More scams in NigeriaPhone and wallet pickpocketing: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the aTM card cloning scam in Nigeria?

Your card details are copied when you use an ATM. They can then be used for transactions you did not approve.

How can I spot it early?

The airport ATM has no security guard watching over it. The card slot or keypad looks loose, damaged or altered.

How do I avoid aTM card cloning in Nigeria?

Prefer an ATM at a staffed bank branch. Inspect the card slot and keypad before using the machine. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN. Check your account regularly after using your card.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Freeze the card and contact your bank immediately. Report suspicious transactions and ask for a replacement card.

Where in Nigeria does this happen?

ATMs, with a specific warning about airport ATMs without a security guard

How common is this scam in Nigeria?

Occasional. Travellers in Nigeria should watch for money-changing tricks, card fraud and unsafe unofficial taxis. Street money changers may short-change you, while card cloning and hotel-payment fraud are also reported. Theft and armed robbery are serious concerns, particularly in Lagos.

Who can I report it to?

Police: once safe, report robbery, theft or fraud. Provide the time, place, losses and any records. Ask for a report reference or written record. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or a trusted contact number to freeze the card and report suspicious activity. Ask how to dispute unauthorised transactions. Your embassy: contact your embassy after a robbery or if your passport is stolen. In Abuja, embassy contact is specifically recommended after robbery. Hotel management or ride-booking provider: report an incident involving their service through reception or the booking app. Keep payment and booking records. Travel insurer: use the contact details in your policy. Ask which receipts, police records and other evidence are needed for a claim.

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