Costly ATM withdrawals in Czech Republic

Euronet ATMs, including those at Praha hlavní nádraží.

How it works

A withdrawal carries an ATM fee, and the machine may offer only 1,000 Kč notes. These are costly withdrawal terms rather than a described card-skimming method.

Warning signs

The screen shows a withdrawal fee.
The machine offers only large notes.

How to avoid it

Read the fee screen before confirming.
Cancel if the terms are poor.
Use another bank's ATM and check your own bank's fees.

If it happens to you

Keep the receipt and check your account. Contact the ATM operator or your card issuer if the charge differs from what you accepted.

Get somewhere safe. Do not chase a thief or confront a group.
If you are threatened or injured, call 112. For police, call 158; for a medical emergency, call 155.
Block stolen cards through your bank or card issuer. Secure affected accounts.
Save receipts, booking records and screenshots. Write down the time, place and vehicle or business details.
Report the incident to police and ask for a report reference. For a bad currency exchange, return with the receipt within 3 hours to request a refund.
Contact your insurer, rental company or embassy as relevant. Ask your card issuer about disputed payments.

Where it happensEuronet ATMs, including those at Praha hlavní nádraží.Prague

What travellers report

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

More scams in Czech RepublicPoor exchange rates when paying in euros: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the costly ATM withdrawals scam in Czech Republic?

A withdrawal carries an ATM fee, and the machine may offer only 1,000 Kč notes. These are costly withdrawal terms rather than a described card-skimming method.

How can I spot it early?

The screen shows a withdrawal fee. The machine offers only large notes.

How do I avoid costly ATM withdrawals in Czech Republic?

Read the fee screen before confirming. Cancel if the terms are poor. Use another bank's ATM and check your own bank's fees.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Keep the receipt and check your account. Contact the ATM operator or your card issuer if the charge differs from what you accepted.

Where in Czech Republic does this happen?

Euronet ATMs, including those at Praha hlavní nádraží. It has been reported in Prague.

How common is this scam in Czech Republic?

Occasional. The Czech Republic is generally safe, but scams and pickpocketing are common in busy tourist areas, especially in high season. Watch for taxi overcharging, misleading exchange rates, worthless foreign money and theft in crowds. Most detailed warnings concern Prague, with pickpocket warnings also covering parts of Brno.

Who can I report it to?

Police: call 158 for police assistance or 112 in an emergency. For a theft or fraud report, provide the location, time, receipts and any vehicle or business details. City police (městská policie): if a Prague exchange office refuses a refund requested within 3 hours, politely ask a nearby city police officer to accompany you and help. Czech National Bank: file a complaint if an exchange office refuses the refund. Keep your receipt and a record of the refusal. Taxi company: report the disputed fare with the receipt, licence plate, taxi licence number and driver's name, if available. Card issuer or bank: use its official app or contact number to block missing cards, report unauthorised transactions and ask about payment disputes. Airport security staff: report missing items immediately at the screening area. Give the screening lane, time and item description. Travel insurer: contact the claims service and keep the police report, receipts and evidence of your loss. Your embassy or consulate: contact it through official channels if your passport is stolen or you need help replacing travel documents.

What number do I call in an emergency in Czech Republic?

General emergency: 112, Police: 158, Medical emergency: 155, Fire brigade: 150.

Reviewed by @snuck