Travelling to Bali is a dream for many, with its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality.

However, Aussie tourists heading to this Indonesian paradise need to be extra vigilant when it comes to protecting their hard-earned cash.

The island has become a hotspot not just for sun-seekers but also for tech-savvy thieves targeting unsuspecting visitors.

A Ukrainian woman was caught installing skimming devices on ATMs across popular resorts in the popular destination.

Initially sentenced to prison in 2022 and an IDR 100,000,000 (approximately $10,000) fine, the con artist has been deported back to Poland.

Card skimming is a devious technique where criminals attach devices to ATMs or EFTPOS (Electronic Fund Transfer at Point Of Sale) machines to capture data from a person’s bank card.

This information is then used to create counterfeit cards, leading to unauthorised withdrawals and purchases—a nightmare for any traveller.

Keep your bank and financial information safe during travels, as card skimmers are now prevalent in tourist destinations. Image Credit: Pexels/RDNE Stock Project

These skimming are cunningly disguised to look like a part of the ATM or a regular card reader.

However, there are often signs of tampering, like mismatched components or an additional plastic casing over the card slot.

One vigilant citizen shared a video of her discovering a skimmer during a vacation in Rome, which she was able to remove from the machine.

In Bali, the scam can take on more insidious forms.

Last year, an Aussie tourist highlighted a ploy involving a Commonwealth Bank ATM in a Seminyak supermarket.

A misleading 'broken' sign was placed on the machine to redirect people to other ATMs, which were suspected of being rigged with skimming devices.

Thankfully, the tourist intervened, informing others that the CBA ATM was operational and warned them about using compromised machines.

Tourist website Bali Buddies points out some tips to keep your wallets safe:

1. Only input your PIN on trusted ATMs.
2. Only visit ATMs within banks or trusted areas
3. Set a daily maximum withdrawal limit to help reduce losses.
4. When travelling, consider using cash to avoid relying on ATMs.
5. Regularly check bank statements for any unusual transactions, and notify your bank immediately if there’s any fraudulent activity.

Key Takeaways

• Australian tourists in Bali are being warned about an increase in skimming device incidents at ATMs on the island.
• A Ukrainian woman has been deported after being found guilty of installing skimming devices on ATMs at popular resorts.
• Card skimming involves criminals stealing bank card data to create fake cards, with signs of tampering sometimes visible on ATMs.
• Tourist platform Bali Buddies recommends tourists protect themselves by using ATMs suggested by trusted accommodation providers.

Do you have any tips and tricks to keep your money safe during travels? Share them with us in the comments below.

 

[kenrconn]

We often hear about these skimming devices. I wonder how many people would recognise an ATM that has been tampered with. I have never seen any pictures of what to look for. Can anyone supply these??

 

[lamptable]

I thought all ATMs had a camera which surely should pick up people tampering with the ATM. Also the article says use cash not ATMs but they are where we get our cash?

 

[Loubeauxarts]

I've reached the point where I only get cash out at the supermarket now. Safer than standing in front of the bank ATM on the footpath, often with others watching.

 

[David567]

All the more reason to use Google pay or Samsung pay. They can't skim the details from your phone as it is encrypted.