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Occasional in Australia

Scam in AustraliaCards and ATMs

ATM card skimming in Australia

Rare incidents across Australia.

How it works

Criminals tamper with an ATM to record card details. A camera may also record your PIN.

Warning signs

  • The card slot or keypad looks altered.
  • Unfamiliar transactions appear after an ATM withdrawal.

How to avoid it

  1. Use ATMs from trusted banks such as ANZ, Commonwealth, Westpac or Nab.
  2. Prefer an ATM inside a bank rather than an outdoor machine.
  3. Cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN.
  4. Check your transaction records after using an ATM.

If it happens to you

Contact your card issuer immediately about unfamiliar transactions. Ask it to secure the card and explain how to dispute the charges.

  1. Move somewhere safe. Do not chase a thief or confront someone who may become violent.
  2. Stop further payments and contact. Call your card issuer to block missing or compromised cards and ask about disputed payments.
  3. Save evidence. Keep receipts, messages and transaction details. Write down the time, location and what happened.
  4. Report the crime to police promptly. For immediate danger, call 000. For non-emergency police assistance, call 131 444.
  5. Secure stolen devices and affected accounts. Contact your insurer, rental company or accommodation provider where relevant.
  6. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate about replacing it. Keep the police report details for any claim.
Where it happensRare incidents across Australia.

What travellers report

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

More scams in AustraliaATM cash trapping: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the aTM card skimming scam in Australia?

Criminals tamper with an ATM to record card details. A camera may also record your PIN.

How can I spot it early?

The card slot or keypad looks altered. Unfamiliar transactions appear after an ATM withdrawal.

How do I avoid aTM card skimming in Australia?

Use ATMs from trusted banks such as ANZ, Commonwealth, Westpac or Nab. Prefer an ATM inside a bank rather than an outdoor machine. Cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN. Check your transaction records after using an ATM.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Contact your card issuer immediately about unfamiliar transactions. Ask it to secure the card and explain how to dispute the charges.

Where in Australia does this happen?

Rare incidents across Australia.

How common is this scam in Australia?

Occasional. Tourist scams are not widespread in Australia, and few travellers become victims of crime. Watch for theft, rare ATM tampering and fake tax-debt demands for gift cards. Cairns has pickpockets and touts, while Darwin needs extra care with belongings, especially at night.

Are there similar scams in Australia?

Yes: aTM cash trapping.

Who can I report it to?

Police: report theft, assault or other crime as soon as possible. Call 000 for an emergency or 131 444 for non-emergency police assistance. Bank controlling the ATM: contact it immediately if a withdrawal appears successful but no cash comes out. Give the ATM location, transaction time and amount. Card issuer or bank: use its official app or contact details to report missing cards or unfamiliar transactions. Ask about blocking the card and disputing charges. Gift-card provider: if you shared a gift-card code, contact the provider promptly. Keep the card and purchase receipt. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen or you need help replacing travel documents. Travel insurer: follow its claim process. Keep police report details, receipts and evidence of the loss.

What number do I call in an emergency in Australia?

Police, fire and ambulance: 000, Emergency services from a mobile phone: 112, Non-emergency police assistance: 131 444.

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