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Occasional in Australia

Scam in AustraliaCards and ATMs

ATM cash trapping in Australia

Rare incidents across Australia.

How it works

Criminals alter an ATM so that withdrawn cash stays trapped inside. The transaction may appear successful even though you receive no money.

Warning signs

  • The withdrawal appears successful, but no cash comes out.
  • The cash outlet looks altered.

How to avoid it

  1. Prefer trusted bank ATMs.
  2. Use an ATM inside a bank where possible.
  3. Check your account if a machine fails to dispense cash.

If it happens to you

Immediately contact the bank that controls the ATM if the transaction appears successful but no cash comes out. Record the machine location, time and amount.

  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 AustraliaPickpocketing: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the aTM cash trapping scam in Australia?

Criminals alter an ATM so that withdrawn cash stays trapped inside. The transaction may appear successful even though you receive no money.

How can I spot it early?

The withdrawal appears successful, but no cash comes out. The cash outlet looks altered.

How do I avoid aTM cash trapping in Australia?

Prefer trusted bank ATMs. Use an ATM inside a bank where possible. Check your account if a machine fails to dispense cash.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Immediately contact the bank that controls the ATM if the transaction appears successful but no cash comes out. Record the machine location, time and amount.

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 card skimming.

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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