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Common in Belarus

Scam in BelarusCards and ATMs

ATM fraud in Belarus

ATMs across Belarus

How it works

Fraud at ATMs is described as common. The exact methods are not given, so a specific trick such as card skimming cannot be confirmed.

Warning signs

  • An unfamiliar attachment or loose part around the card slot or keypad.
  • Someone offers unsolicited help while you use the machine.

How to avoid it

  1. Choose an ATM in a staffed bank when possible.
  2. Check the card slot and keypad before use.
  3. Cover your PIN and refuse help from strangers.
  4. Check transactions as soon as you can.

If it happens to you

Stop using the machine. If your card or account may be at risk, freeze the card and contact its issuer through an official channel. Keep the ATM location and transaction details.

  1. Get to a safe place. Leave any confrontation and seek medical help if you are injured.
  2. Stop further losses. Freeze affected cards, contact payment providers and secure any exposed accounts.
  3. Save evidence. Keep receipts, screenshots, messages, transaction records and the time and location.
  4. Report the incident to police. Ask for a report or reference number if available.
  5. Contact the relevant business, booking app or dating app through its official support channel.
  6. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport is missing, you are detained or you need help finding local support. Notify your travel insurer if relevant.
Where it happensATMs across Belarus

What travellers report

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

More scams in BelarusGrocery-store fraud: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the aTM fraud scam in Belarus?

Fraud at ATMs is described as common. The exact methods are not given, so a specific trick such as card skimming cannot be confirmed.

How can I spot it early?

An unfamiliar attachment or loose part around the card slot or keypad. Someone offers unsolicited help while you use the machine.

How do I avoid aTM fraud in Belarus?

Choose an ATM in a staffed bank when possible. Check the card slot and keypad before use. Cover your PIN and refuse help from strangers. Check transactions as soon as you can.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Stop using the machine. If your card or account may be at risk, freeze the card and contact its issuer through an official channel. Keep the ATM location and transaction details.

Where in Belarus does this happen?

ATMs across Belarus

How common is this scam in Belarus?

Common. Street crime is rare in Belarus and usually does not affect tourists, but fraud at ATMs and grocery stores is described as common. Other concerns include online fraud, inflated taxi fares at Minsk arrival points, and reports of people being targeted through dating apps. Scam risk is only part of travel safety: arbitrary law enforcement and possible civil unrest also need careful attention.

Who can I report it to?

Police: report fraud, theft, threats or assault to police. In downtown Minsk, police are described as having a strong presence. Keep evidence and ask for a report reference if available. Card issuer or payment provider: use the official app or a verified contact number to report suspicious transactions, freeze a card and ask about recovery options. Taxi booking app: for an app-booked ride, use the trip's support option. Include the quoted fare, amount charged, trip details and receipt. Shop or café management: ask management to review a disputed charge or return a retained passport. Keep receipts and payment records. Dating app: report the account through the app. Save the profile and messages before blocking it, if safe. Embassy or consulate: use your government's official contact details if your passport is lost or retained, you are detained or you need consular support. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its official claims channel. Keep police records, receipts and evidence of losses.

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