Scam in United KingdomCards and ATMs
ATM card, PIN and cash theft in United Kingdom
How it works
Thieves 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.
Warning signs
- The card slot is loose or looks altered.
- There is an unusual attachment or camera above the keypad.
- Someone stands too close or waits nearby.
How to avoid it
- Prefer an ATM inside a bank.
- Check the machine and gently test whether the card slot is loose.
- Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
- Be ready to collect your card and cash as soon as they appear.
If it happens to you
Contact your card issuer immediately if your card is trapped or missing. Report suspicious equipment to the premises and police on 101. Do not remove devices yourself.
- Move to a safe, busy place. Do not chase a thief or confront anyone carrying a weapon.
- Call 999 or 112 if you are threatened, injured or being held against your will. For a crime that does not need an emergency response, call 101.
- Freeze missing cards and contact your card issuer about unauthorised or forced payments. If your phone was stolen, lock it remotely and contact your mobile provider.
- Save receipts, booking details, messages and payment records. Write down the location, time and what happened while you remember it.
- Report the incident to the relevant police or transport staff. Ask for a report reference and contact your insurer.
- If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate through its official contact details.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the aTM card, PIN and cash theft scam in United Kingdom?
Thieves 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.
How can I spot it early?
The card slot is loose or looks altered. There is an unusual attachment or camera above the keypad. Someone stands too close or waits nearby.
How do I avoid aTM card, PIN and cash theft in United Kingdom?
Prefer an ATM inside a bank. Check the machine and gently test whether the card slot is loose. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN. Be ready to collect your card and cash as soon as they appear.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Contact your card issuer immediately if your card is trapped or missing. Report suspicious equipment to the premises and police on 101. Do not remove devices yourself.
Where in United Kingdom does this happen?
Cash machines. It has been reported in London.
How common is this scam in United Kingdom?
Occasional. The United Kingdom is generally safe to visit, but tourists can face theft, street cons and misleading prices. London has several scams aimed at visitors, including rigged street games, ticket-machine theft and costly currency exchange. Watch your phone, refuse pushy offers and check prices before paying.
Who can I report it to?
Emergency services: call 999 or 112 for an immediate serious threat to life or safety. Ask for the service you need and give your exact location, including the town or city. Local police: call 101 to report a crime or concern that does not need an emergency response. In London, the Metropolitan Police covers most of the city; the City of London Police covers the City of London. British Transport Police: speak to an officer or station staff about railway incidents. For the tissue-selling scam on trains, text 61016 when above ground. ATM premises or bank: tell staff if a machine has suspicious attachments or appears altered. Also report it to police on 101, or 999 in an emergency. Do not try to remove a device. Card issuer or bank: use the official banking app or a verified contact number to freeze cards and report suspicious, unauthorised or forced payments. Mobile provider: use the provider's official contact channel to report a stolen phone and block the SIM. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need document assistance. Travel insurer or rental company: report the loss through their official claims or support channel. Keep the police reference, receipts and supporting records.
What number do I call in an emergency in United Kingdom?
Emergency police, ambulance, fire and rescue: 999, Alternative emergency number: 112, Non-emergency police: 101.
Reviewed by @snuck