Scam in SwitzerlandCards and ATMs
Full card number exposed on a receipt in Switzerland
How it works
Some establishments may print the entire credit card number on a receipt. This exposes sensitive details and creates a risk of identity theft. The receipt itself is not proof of fraud.
Warning signs
- The receipt shows your full card number.
How to avoid it
- Check receipts after paying by credit card.
- Keep receipts containing card details secure.
- Destroy sensitive receipts before throwing them away.
If it happens to you
Secure the receipt and check your transactions. Contact your card issuer if you suspect the details have been misused.
- Move somewhere safe. If you feel threatened, enter a nearby restaurant. Call 112 for an emergency.
- Check what is missing. Freeze stolen payment cards and contact your card issuer about suspicious charges.
- Write down the time, place and what happened. Save receipts, transaction records and any other evidence.
- Report theft or fraud to police. Tell train staff, accommodation staff or a rental company when relevant.
- Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen. Ask about replacement travel documents.
- Contact your travel insurer. Keep the police report and records of related costs.
Questions
What is the full card number exposed on a receipt scam in Switzerland?
Some establishments may print the entire credit card number on a receipt. This exposes sensitive details and creates a risk of identity theft. The receipt itself is not proof of fraud.
How can I spot it early?
The receipt shows your full card number.
How do I avoid full card number exposed on a receipt in Switzerland?
Check receipts after paying by credit card. Keep receipts containing card details secure. Destroy sensitive receipts before throwing them away.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Secure the receipt and check your transactions. Contact your card issuer if you suspect the details have been misused.
Where in Switzerland does this happen?
A few establishments across Switzerland.
How common is this scam in Switzerland?
Occasional. Switzerland is generally very safe, but theft still affects visitors. The main concerns are pickpockets, stolen bags and burglary; the other risks described here include a rigged street game, pushy begging and exposed card details.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft or suspected fraud to police. For an emergency, call 112; operators generally speak English. Police in Basel: call 117 in an emergency. Operators usually speak English. Nearby police officer or security guard in Lausanne: report cases involving begging children directly to the nearest officer or guard. Basel tram or bus operator: ask the operator for help if you have trouble on board. In an emergency, the operator can alert police to the vehicle's location. Card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact details to freeze a stolen card and report unauthorised transactions. Accommodation provider or rental company: tell reception, your host or the rental company about a burglary, damaged lock or stolen rental bicycle. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details if your passport is stolen. Travel insurer: use the insurer's claims service. Keep your police report, receipts and a list of stolen items.
What number do I call in an emergency in Switzerland?
General emergency; operators generally speak English: 112, Police emergency in Basel; operators usually speak English: 117, Emergency medical assistance in Lausanne; French-language assistance: 144.
Reviewed by @snuck