Tourists in Bali are urged to exclusively utilise authorised ATMs for cash withdrawals due to a recent scam involving card skimming devices. According to local media reports, a 35-year-old Ukrainian woman was deported and fined IDR 100,000,000 (INR 518.75) after being found guilty of tampering with ATMs in 2022.
She served a two-year sentence at the Kerobokan Women's Correctional Institution before being flown to Warsaw and banned from returning to Indonesia. The authorities have instructed tourists to use approved machines, preferably within bank premises, to mitigate the risk of tampering, reports stated.
Card skimming is a method criminals use to steal credit or debit card information during transactions. It involves installing unauthorised devices, known as skimmers, on ATMs or other card payment terminals. Without the cardholder's knowledge, these devices capture the card's magnetic stripe data, including account numbers and personal identification numbers (PINs). The stolen information is then used to create counterfeit cards or make unauthorised purchases, posing a significant risk to individuals' financial security. It poses a significant threat to tourists in Bali, with criminals targeting ATMs to steal card details and personal information. These devices, discreetly installed on machines, capture data when users insert their cards, leading to fraudulent transactions and compromised accounts.
Popular tourist destinations like Thailand, Spain, and Italy have reported numerous incidents of ATM tampering. In Thailand, particularly in bustling tourist areas like Bangkok, travellers have fallen victim to sophisticated skimming schemes. Similarly, tourists in Spain's major cities, such as Barcelona and Madrid, have encountered fraudulent ATMs equipped with skimming devices. Italy, known for its cultural heritage and tourist attractions, also grapples with card skimming, especially in popular tourist spots like Rome and Florence.
To protect yourself from card skimming, ensure you use ATMs located within trusted establishments and thoroughly inspect them for signs of tampering before use, including irregularities in the card reader or keypad. Protect your PIN entry from prying eyes and regularly monitor your bank statements for unauthorised transactions. Utilise contactless payment methods when available to minimise the risk of exposing your card details. Promptly report any suspicious activity or unauthorised transactions to your bank for investigation. Check for tiny/hidden cameras whenever at an ATM booth.
