Bali tourists reminded to stay cautious when using ATMS after reports of card skimming

Aussies travelling to Bali should stay cautious about using ATMs after reports of skimming devices found on cash machines throughout the island.

According to The Bali Sun, a woman was deported from Bali this week after being accused of installing skimming devices onto ATMs at popular resorts.

Skimming occurs when devices are illegally installed on ATMs and allows thieves to use the data and create fake debit cards to steal from the victims’ accounts.

Tourists are urged only to use ATMs at cash machine stations in banks and to avoid using ATMs that are not connected to a bank, or machines inside Minimarts and other shopping centres.

It can be difficult to tell if a cash machine has been altered, however, a tell-tale sign is in the plastic casing that sits over the card reader.

If it feels quite bulky or thick, it is a good indication that the skimming device has been fitted over the card readers.

Tourists are also being warned to look out for a different kind of scam after US travellers were threatened by a taxi driver.

Bali’s most popular taxi company is Bluebird and tourists are warned some cars on the island mimic its colours and logo.

In January, a video circulated online of a pair of US tourists being extorted by a taxi driver aggressively wielding a sharp implement.

In the video, two young women can be seen begging to be let out after the driver locked the car’s doors.

The taxi driver was filmed making multiple lunges at the woman recording.

Eventually, the pair escape the taxi while calling for help.

Tourists are urged to use established ride-hailing apps like Grab, GoJek or MyBluebird taxis when travelling around the island.