Scam in ChileCards and ATMs
Payment card fraud in Chile
How it works
Card details may be misused for fraudulent payments. No specific method beyond ATM skimming is described.
Warning signs
- You cannot establish whether a business is reputable.
- A payment or withdrawal you do not recognise appears on your account.
How to avoid it
- Use your card with reputable businesses.
- Check your account after making payments.
If it happens to you
Freeze your card. Tell the issuer which transactions you did not authorise and ask how to dispute them.
- Get to a safe place. If someone threatens you, follow instructions and hand over valuables rather than resisting.
- Call 133 if you need emergency police help. Seek urgent medical care if you are injured or suspect drink spiking.
- Freeze stolen or compromised cards. Contact your card issuer about any payments or withdrawals you did not authorise.
- Save receipts, transaction records, booking details and messages. Write down what happened while you remember it.
- Report the incident to police and ask for a report reference or copy. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen.
- Contact your insurer promptly. If your phone was stolen, use its remote lock tools and secure the accounts it could access.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/Santiago2024Santiago airport taxi scamA commenter reports that a Santiago taxi driver appeared to enter a 12,000-peso fare but attempted to charge 799,890 pesos to their card.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/Santiago2024I got robbed one hour after I got hereA newly arrived traveller reports that thieves stole their backpack and attempted online purchases with the stolen cards within half an hour.Read on Reddit
- Government advice2026Chile travel adviceCanadian authorities describe unauthorized airport taxi drivers committing card fraud by adding digits to fares or using terminals with unreadable displays.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the payment card fraud scam in Chile?
Card details may be misused for fraudulent payments. No specific method beyond ATM skimming is described.
How can I spot it early?
You cannot establish whether a business is reputable. A payment or withdrawal you do not recognise appears on your account.
How do I avoid payment card fraud in Chile?
Use your card with reputable businesses. Check your account after making payments.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Freeze your card. Tell the issuer which transactions you did not authorise and ask how to dispute them.
Where in Chile does this happen?
Businesses taking card payments.
How common is this scam in Chile?
Occasional. The main risks for visitors to Chile are pickpocketing, robbery, card fraud and drink spiking. Crowded city areas need extra care, while street money changers and poor exchange rates can also put your money at risk.
Are there similar scams in Chile?
Yes: aTM card skimming.
Who can I report it to?
Carabineros — National Police: call 133 from any phone for emergency assistance. Report theft, robbery or suspected fraud to police and ask for a report reference. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact number to freeze the card and report unauthorised transactions. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need help replacing travel documents. Travel insurer: contact the claims or assistance service listed in your policy. Keep police records, receipts and proof of loss. Bar or club staff: tell staff immediately if you suspect drink spiking. Ask for help and stay with a trusted companion.
What number do I call in an emergency in Chile?
Carabineros — emergency police assistance: 133.
Reviewed by @snuck