Scam in NamibiaCards and ATMs
ATM card trapping in Namibia
How it works
An ATM appears to swallow your card and does not return it after you enter your PIN. Treat an unexpectedly retained card as a possible scam.
Warning signs
- The ATM does not return your card after you enter your PIN.
How to avoid it
- Prefer ATMs with a uniformed security guard.
- Use an ATM at a bank during opening hours when possible.
- Have your card issuer's contact details available before withdrawing cash.
If it happens to you
Contact your card issuer immediately to freeze or block the card. If the ATM is at an open bank, tell bank staff. Do not enter your PIN again at a stranger's request.
- Get to a safe place. Do not chase a thief or resist a robbery.
- Freeze or block missing cards immediately. Tell your card issuer about any suspicious transactions.
- Write down what happened, including the time, place and any vehicle details you can safely remember. Save receipts and messages.
- Report the incident to police and ask for a report reference or copy.
- Contact your insurer. If a passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate. Tell the rental company if its vehicle was involved.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- WebBank Windhoek — Money Matters| BANK WINDHOEK Issue 54Bank Windhoek describes a device that traps an ATM card so criminals can retrieve it and access the account after observing the PIN.Read on Web
- WebPayments Association of Namibia2026ATM Safety Guidelines: Safeguarding Physical Cash TransactionsNamibia's payments association explains how mechanical obstructions retain ATM cards for criminals to collect after customers leave.Read on Web
Questions
What is the aTM card trapping scam in Namibia?
An ATM appears to swallow your card and does not return it after you enter your PIN. Treat an unexpectedly retained card as a possible scam.
How can I spot it early?
The ATM does not return your card after you enter your PIN.
How do I avoid aTM card trapping in Namibia?
Prefer ATMs with a uniformed security guard. Use an ATM at a bank during opening hours when possible. Have your card issuer's contact details available before withdrawing cash.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Contact your card issuer immediately to freeze or block the card. If the ATM is at an open bank, tell bank staff. Do not enter your PIN again at a stranger's request.
Where in Namibia does this happen?
ATMs; no specific location is identified.
How common is this scam in Namibia?
Occasional. Theft is a concern in Namibia, and pickpockets can target visitors. Travellers should also watch for shared-taxi overcharging, ATM card traps and robberies involving taxi drivers. Exact scam frequencies are not available.
Are there similar scams in Namibia?
Yes: watching your ATM PIN.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, robbery or suspected fraud at a police station. Give the details you recorded and ask for a report reference or copy. Card issuer or bank: use the official banking app or a trusted contact number to block a missing or trapped card and report suspicious transactions. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need consular help. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through your policy's assistance channel. Keep police reports, receipts and other evidence for a claim. Rental company: use the contact details in your rental agreement if the vehicle is stolen or involved in a robbery.
Reviewed by @snuck