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Occasional in Chile

Scam in ChileCards and ATMs

ATM card skimming in Chile

ATM facilities with little surveillance.

How it works

Criminals 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.

Warning signs

  • The card slot looks unusual.
  • The card slot moves easily or seems detachable.
  • The ATM has little surveillance.

How to avoid it

  1. Check the card slot before inserting your card.
  2. Cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN.
  3. Use another machine if anything looks loose or suspicious.

If it happens to you

Freeze the card and contact your card issuer immediately. Check your account for withdrawals you did not make.

  1. Get to a safe place. If someone threatens you, follow instructions and hand over valuables rather than resisting.
  2. Call 133 if you need emergency police help. Seek urgent medical care if you are injured or suspect drink spiking.
  3. Freeze stolen or compromised cards. Contact your card issuer about any payments or withdrawals you did not authorise.
  4. Save receipts, transaction records, booking details and messages. Write down what happened while you remember it.
  5. Report the incident to police and ask for a report reference or copy. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen.
  6. Contact your insurer promptly. If your phone was stolen, use its remote lock tools and secure the accounts it could access.
Where it happensATM facilities with little surveillance.
More scams in ChilePayment card fraud: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the aTM card skimming scam in Chile?

Criminals 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.

How can I spot it early?

The card slot looks unusual. The card slot moves easily or seems detachable. The ATM has little surveillance.

How do I avoid aTM card skimming in Chile?

Check the card slot before inserting your card. Cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN. Use another machine if anything looks loose or suspicious.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Freeze the card and contact your card issuer immediately. Check your account for withdrawals you did not make.

Where in Chile does this happen?

ATM facilities with little surveillance.

How common is this scam in Chile?

Occasional. The main risks for visitors to Chile are pickpocketing, robbery, card fraud and drink spiking. Crowded city areas need extra care, while street money changers and poor exchange rates can also put your money at risk.

Are there similar scams in Chile?

Yes: payment card fraud.

Who can I report it to?

Carabineros — National Police: call 133 from any phone for emergency assistance. Report theft, robbery or suspected fraud to police and ask for a report reference. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact number to freeze the card and report unauthorised transactions. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need help replacing travel documents. Travel insurer: contact the claims or assistance service listed in your policy. Keep police records, receipts and proof of loss. Bar or club staff: tell staff immediately if you suspect drink spiking. Ask for help and stay with a trusted companion.

What number do I call in an emergency in Chile?

Carabineros — emergency police assistance: 133.

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