Embassy of the United States of America
Madrid, Spain
Notice to U.S. Citizens
April 9, 2008
The following Notice Message is for maximum dissemination to U.S. Citizens.
SUBJECT:
The U.S. Embassy in Madrid encourages all Americans to exercise caution when using
credit or debit cards in ATM machines. There have been reports of instances in which
U.S. citizens in Spain have had their card numbers “skimmed” and the money in their
debit accounts stolen or their credit cards fraudulently charged. “Skimming” is the theft
of credit card information by an employee of a legitimate merchant or bank following a
valid transaction. There have been recent reports of problems at Barclay's Bank ATMs
in particular, but all ATM users should use caution.
In addition to skimming, there is also the risk of physical theft of credit or debit cards.
To prevent such incidents, the Embassy recommends that travelers keep close track of
their personal belongings when out and about, only carry that which is needed, and
maintain a heightened awareness of your surroundings when using your cards. Travelers
should also regularly check the status of their accounts to insure their security has not
been compromised. Should you identify fraudulent charges to any of your accounts
subsequent to the use of credit or debit cards, contact your bank immediately to report the
problem.
For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should
regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at
http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, Travel
Warnings, and health-information resources can be found. Up-to-date information on
security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for
callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These
numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday
(except U.S. federal holidays).
Follo