Visual clues that an ATM has been compromised
Picture this: you’re wandering through the charming streets of Barcelona or Bangkok, and you need some cash. You spot an ATM, but something seems… off. Trust that gut feeling.
Criminals are getting craftier with their ATM tampering, but they still leave tell‑tale signs if you know what to look for.
Check the card slot. Give it a wiggle. No, seriously—grab that thing and tug (gently). If it feels loose or comes off in your hand, walk away immediately. Legitimate card readers are solidly built into the machine, not sloppily glued on.
Scan for anything that looks out of place. Odd‑looking keypads, unusual plastic pieces, or strange attachments around the screen are red flags. Criminals install fake keypads over real ones to capture your PIN as you type.
Look up. See any unusual objects or small holes above the keypad? These could be hidden cameras recording your PIN entry. Cup your hand over the keypad when entering your PIN, even if everything looks normal.
Compare ATMs side by side when possible. In tourist areas, scammers often target just one machine in a row of several. If one ATM looks different from others nearby (different colors, newer parts, bulkier components), choose another.
Check for tamper‑evident seals—those stickers that break apart when removed. If they’re damaged or missing, someone might have opened the machine.
Watch the surroundings. If someone’s hovering too close or the ATM is in a suspiciously dark, secluded spot, just walk away. Your safety comes first, and cash can wait.
Safest locations to withdraw money while traveling
Not all ATMs are created equal, and location matters more than you might think.
- Bank‑affiliated ATMs inside branches are your best bet. They’re monitored by security cameras, regularly inspected by staff, and typically have the latest security features.
- Hotel ATMs rank high, too. Reputable hotels maintain their machines and have security nearby.
- Airport ATMs are generally safe choices (though fees can be higher). They’re frequently checked and located in secured, camera‑monitored areas.
- Shopping malls and large department stores usually offer decent security and high foot traffic.
Avoid:
- Standalone ATMs on quiet streets, especially at night
- Machines near tourist attractions, nightclubs, or in poorly lit areas
- Many gas station or convenience store ATMs, which often lack regular inspection
When traveling in unfamiliar areas—particularly in countries known for scams—stick to ATMs inside international bank branches. They’re more secure and more likely to work with foreign cards and offer reasonable exchange rates.
If possible, withdraw larger amounts less frequently to minimize exposure. Just don’t keep all the cash in one place.
Digital payment alternatives that reduce card exposure
The best way to avoid ATM scams? Skip the ATM when you can.
- Mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay) use tokenization—one‑time codes instead of your real card details. Even if intercepted, the data can’t be reused.
- Contactless credit cards generate unique codes for each transaction—tap and go without inserting your card.
- Prepaid travel cards let you load a set amount before your trip. If compromised, only the loaded balance is at risk (not your main account).
- Local mobile payment apps can be great for longer stays (e.g., WeChat Pay/Alipay in China, M‑Pesa in Kenya, PayPay in Japan).
- Digital banks like Wise, Revolut, or Monzo offer virtual cards, instant freeze, real‑time notifications, and competitive exchange rates.
- For bookings, use secure platforms like PayPal or trusted sites with buyer protection.
And yes, traveler’s checks still exist—less common, but extremely secure since they can be replaced if stolen.
Before your trip, research the most common payment methods at your destination. Some countries are nearly cashless; others still rely on physical currency.
Steps to take immediately if you suspect your card information was stolen
The moment you suspect something’s wrong, the clock starts ticking. Here’s your emergency response plan:
- Call your bank immediately. Most cards have 24/7 international numbers on the back. Save this number separately before traveling.
- Request an immediate card freeze. Many banking apps let you freeze cards with a tap—use that first if you can.
- File a detailed report with your bank: when/where you used the card, when you noticed suspicious activity, and any unusual ATM interactions.
- Change passwords and PINs—not just for the affected card but for all financial accounts.
- Monitor your accounts daily for the next few weeks; thieves often test with small purchases first.
- Document everything. Screenshots of transactions, email confirmations, and call reference numbers will help in disputes.
- If you know the exact ATM, report it to local police. It helps establish patterns and may protect others.
- Notify your credit‑monitoring service or place a fraud alert with credit bureaus if the theft happened in your home country.
- For online purchases, consider virtual card numbers (temporary numbers linked to your real account).
Most banks have zero‑liability policies, but they require prompt reporting—acting quickly is essential.
Bottom line: if an ATM feels sketchy, a card reader looks unusual, or someone stands too close—trust your instincts and walk away. No amount of cash is worth the headache while you’re traveling.