Scam in NamibiaCards and ATMs
Watching your ATM PIN in Namibia
How it works
Someone watches you enter your PIN. This exposes information that could be used if they also gain access to your card.
Warning signs
- Someone stands close enough to see the keypad.
- Someone watches your hands while you enter your PIN.
How to avoid it
- Cover the keypad with your free hand.
- Wait until other people give you enough space.
- Cancel the transaction if you feel watched.
If it happens to you
If you think your PIN was seen, contact your card issuer from a safe place. Block the card immediately if it is also missing.
- Get to a safe place. Do not chase a thief or resist a robbery.
- Freeze or block missing cards immediately. Tell your card issuer about any suspicious transactions.
- Write down what happened, including the time, place and any vehicle details you can safely remember. Save receipts and messages.
- Report the incident to police and ask for a report reference or copy.
- Contact your insurer. If a passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate. Tell the rental company if its vehicle was involved.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- WebFNB NamibiaCard fraud | Fraud prevention + security | FNBFNB Namibia describes shoulder surfing in which criminals watch ATM keystrokes to steal a customer's PIN.Read on Web
- WebBank Windhoek — Money Matters| BANK WINDHOEK Issue 54Bank Windhoek warns that criminals observe PIN entry before stealing the card through distraction or pickpocketing.Read on Web
- News2014No holidays for fraudstersAn FNB Namibia executive warns holidaymakers about ATM fraud and advises covering the keypad while entering a PIN.Read on News
Questions
What is the watching your ATM PIN scam in Namibia?
Someone watches you enter your PIN. This exposes information that could be used if they also gain access to your card.
How can I spot it early?
Someone stands close enough to see the keypad. Someone watches your hands while you enter your PIN.
How do I avoid watching your ATM PIN in Namibia?
Cover the keypad with your free hand. Wait until other people give you enough space. Cancel the transaction if you feel watched.
What should I do if it happens to me?
If you think your PIN was seen, contact your card issuer from a safe place. Block the card immediately if it is also missing.
Where in Namibia does this happen?
ATMs throughout the country.
How common is this scam in Namibia?
Occasional. Theft is a concern in Namibia, and pickpockets can target visitors. Travellers should also watch for shared-taxi overcharging, ATM card traps and robberies involving taxi drivers. Exact scam frequencies are not available.
Are there similar scams in Namibia?
Yes: aTM card trapping.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, robbery or suspected fraud at a police station. Give the details you recorded and ask for a report reference or copy. Card issuer or bank: use the official banking app or a trusted contact number to block a missing or trapped card and report suspicious transactions. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need consular help. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through your policy's assistance channel. Keep police reports, receipts and other evidence for a claim. Rental company: use the contact details in your rental agreement if the vehicle is stolen or involved in a robbery.
Reviewed by @snuck