Bahamas: US warns of increase in credit card fraud

Event

The US Department of State has released a warning advising travelers of the heightened risk of credit and debit card fraud throughout the country. In recent months, over 80 people were victims of card fraud in the capital Nassau. Criminals reportedly obtain card information primarily by installing card skimmers in ATMs (cash machines) as well as cameras to record PIN number entry.

Context

Crime rates in the Bahamas are generally relatively low. However, the country has become a transit point for Latin American drugs heading toward the US, located only some 80 km (50 mi) from the islands, leading to a rise in gang activity in recent years.

Earlier in the summer the US Department of State issued a warning urging visitors to remain particularly vigilant when traveling on the islands of New Providence - home to Nassau - and Grand Bahama due to the risk of violent crime, particularly in locations commonly frequented by tourists. This includes the area around the cruise ship terminal at Prince George Wharf, the Cable Beach resort area, and downtown Nassau.

Advice

Individuals in the Bahamas are advised to use ATMs located within banks, actively monitor all credit and debit card activity, and travel with bank contact details to be able to cancel a card quickly if necessary.