Scam in Papua New GuineaCards and ATMs
Credit card fraud in Papua New Guinea
How it works
Occasional card fraud is reported where credit cards are accepted. The exact method is not specified.
Warning signs
- The payment amount differs from the price you agreed.
- A payment alert shows a charge you do not recognise.
How to avoid it
- Check the amount before approving a payment.
- Keep your card in sight when possible.
- Enable transaction alerts and check recent payments.
- Keep receipts until you have checked your account.
If it happens to you
Freeze the card and contact the card issuer promptly. Identify the charges you did not authorise and keep receipts or screenshots.
- Get to a secure place. Do not chase a thief or confront an armed attacker.
- Ask your accommodation or another trusted person for help. Seek medical care if you are injured.
- Freeze stolen or affected cards and contact the card issuer. Secure any accounts linked to a stolen phone.
- Write down what happened, including the time, location, charges and any vehicle details. Save receipts and screenshots.
- Report the incident to police when safe. Ask for a report or reference number for insurance or bank claims.
- Contact your insurer. If your passport was stolen or you need consular help, contact your embassy or consulate.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the credit card fraud scam in Papua New Guinea?
Occasional card fraud is reported where credit cards are accepted. The exact method is not specified.
How can I spot it early?
The payment amount differs from the price you agreed. A payment alert shows a charge you do not recognise.
How do I avoid credit card fraud in Papua New Guinea?
Check the amount before approving a payment. Keep your card in sight when possible. Enable transaction alerts and check recent payments. Keep receipts until you have checked your account.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Freeze the card and contact the card issuer promptly. Identify the charges you did not authorise and keep receipts or screenshots.
Where in Papua New Guinea does this happen?
Card payments in larger shops, hotels and restaurants, including large stores in Goroka.
How common is this scam in Papua New Guinea?
Occasional. The main risks in Papua New Guinea are robbery, carjacking and occasional card fraud. Street crime is a particular concern in Port Moresby and Lae, and foreigners are sometimes targeted in Port Moresby. Arrange trusted drivers through your accommodation and get local advice before going out.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, robbery or fraud when safe. Ask your accommodation for help arranging contact and request a report number. Police conduct and their ability to respond are concerns in Port Moresby. Your hotel or accommodation provider: tell staff what happened. Ask for help reaching a secure place, contacting police or arranging a trusted driver. Card issuer or bank: use the bank's official app or a verified contact number to freeze the card and report unauthorised charges. Travel insurer: contact the claims or assistance service listed in your policy. Keep receipts, incident details and any police report. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need consular assistance.
Reviewed by @snuck