Scam in ItalyCards and ATMs
ATM card skimming in Italy
How it works
Criminals fit a skimming device over the card slot. It copies card details so they can clone your card.
Warning signs
- The card slot looks altered or has an added attachment.
- The machine looks tampered with.
How to avoid it
- Inspect the machine before inserting your card.
- Use another ATM if anything looks wrong.
- Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
If it happens to you
Contact your card issuer immediately. Freeze or cancel the card and report any unauthorised transactions.
- Move to a safe, staffed place. If you are threatened or need urgent help, call 112.
- If a card or card details were stolen, contact your card issuer immediately. Freeze or cancel the card and flag unauthorised payments.
- Write down what happened, the time and the location. Save receipts, journey details and any other evidence.
- Report the incident at a police station and ask for a copy of the report. In Rome, go to the Carabinieri station nearest where the theft happened.
- Contact your insurer. A police report helps support an insurance claim. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate.
- Secure any affected accounts and arrange replacement cards or documents. Do not chase a thief or put yourself at risk to recover property.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Government adviceContro le truffeThe Carabinieri describe criminals fitting ATMs with skimmers, cameras or false keypads to copy cards and capture PINs.Read on Government advice
- Government advice2026Italy Travel Advice & Safety | SmartravellerAustralian travel advice states that credit-card and ATM fraud in Italy often involves skimming devices.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the aTM card skimming scam in Italy?
Criminals fit a skimming device over the card slot. It copies card details so they can clone your card.
How can I spot it early?
The card slot looks altered or has an added attachment. The machine looks tampered with.
How do I avoid aTM card skimming in Italy?
Inspect the machine before inserting your card. Use another ATM if anything looks wrong. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Contact your card issuer immediately. Freeze or cancel the card and report any unauthorised transactions.
Where in Italy does this happen?
ATMs across the country.
How common is this scam in Italy?
Occasional. Italy is generally safe, but tourist scams and petty theft are common in busy visitor areas. The main risks are pickpockets, taxi tricks, pushy street sellers and people offering unwanted help at ticket machines.
Who can I report it to?
Polizia di Stato or Carabinieri: go to a police station to report a scam or theft. You can ask any police officer for help. Request a copy of the report for insurance and replacement documents. Carabinieri in Rome: for theft, generally visit the station nearest where it happened. Ask people nearby where to go. Emergency services: call 112 for urgent help or when unsure which service you need. The WhereAreU app can also call 112 and share your phone's GPS position, including when you cannot speak. Card issuer or bank: use its official app or contact number to freeze a stolen or compromised card and dispute unauthorised transactions. Travel insurer: contact its claims service and provide the police report, receipts and other evidence. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport or travel documents are stolen.
What number do I call in an emergency in Italy?
General emergency help: 112, Polizia di Stato — State Police: 113, Guardia di Finanza — Financial Police: 117, Fire Department: 115, Medical Rescue: 118, Coast Guard: 1530, State Forestry Department: 1515.
Reviewed by @snuck