Skip to content
Occasional in South Africa

Scam in South AfricaCards and ATMs

Unwanted ATM help and stuck-card cons in South Africa

ATMs in Cape Town

How it works

A con artist offers to help with an ATM transaction. A stuck card can leave you exposed to unwanted help or card loss.

Warning signs

  • A stranger offers to help you use the ATM.
  • Someone tries to become involved in your transaction.
  • Your card becomes stuck.

How to avoid it

  1. Never let a stranger help with an ATM transaction.
  2. Keep your card and PIN private.
  3. If your card sticks, contact the ATM helpline and cancel the card.

If it happens to you

Cancel or freeze the card immediately. Contact the ATM helpline and your card issuer, then check for transactions you did not make.

  1. Get to safety. During a robbery, do not resist, negotiate or chase the attacker.
  2. Freeze or cancel stolen cards immediately. If your phone is missing, secure its accounts and mobile service.
  3. Save receipts, booking details, messages and photographs. Write down the time, place and what happened.
  4. Report theft, robbery or fraud to police as soon as possible. Ask for a report reference.
  5. Tell the relevant airline, hotel, transport operator or rental company. Contact your embassy if your passport was stolen.
  6. Contact your insurer and card issuer about any claim or disputed payment. Keep copies of all reports and correspondence.
Where it happensATMs in Cape TownCape Town

What travellers report

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

More scams in South AfricaArmed robbery at ATMs: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the unwanted ATM help and stuck-card cons scam in South Africa?

A con artist offers to help with an ATM transaction. A stuck card can leave you exposed to unwanted help or card loss.

How can I spot it early?

A stranger offers to help you use the ATM. Someone tries to become involved in your transaction. Your card becomes stuck.

How do I avoid unwanted ATM help and stuck-card cons in South Africa?

Never let a stranger help with an ATM transaction. Keep your card and PIN private. If your card sticks, contact the ATM helpline and cancel the card.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Cancel or freeze the card immediately. Contact the ATM helpline and your card issuer, then check for transactions you did not make.

Where in South Africa does this happen?

ATMs in Cape Town It has been reported in Cape Town.

How common is this scam in South Africa?

Occasional. Theft, street cons and tourist overcharging are real concerns in South Africa, though most visitors have a trouble-free stay. Watch for airport taxi touts, hidden exchange fees, unwanted ATM help and inflated souvenir prices. Pickpocketing, baggage theft, smash-and-grab theft and armed robbery also need care.

Are there similar scams in South Africa?

Yes: armed robbery at ATMs.

Who can I report it to?

Police: report robbery, theft or fraud promptly. Go to a police station once safe and ask for a report reference. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or a trusted contact number to freeze or cancel a missing card and report payments you did not make. ATM operator: if your card becomes stuck, contact the helpline displayed at the ATM for assistance. Contact your card issuer as well to cancel the card. Airline or airport staff: report baggage theft as soon as you notice it. Keep baggage tags, flight details and photographs of damage. Accommodation or transport operator: report the incident to staff or the booking provider. Provide receipts, booking details and a clear account of what happened. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen or you need consular help. Travel insurer: use the contact details in your policy. Keep police reports, receipts and evidence of the loss.

What number do I call in an emergency in South Africa?

Netcare 911 emergency assistance contact: +27 11 254-1927, ER24 emergency assistance, domestic number: 084 124.

Reviewed by