I was using an ATM near my hostel in Liberia, & it took my card & never gave it back. No error message, just gone. Has anyone had this happen? Whats the fastest way to get it back? Any advice on who to call or what to do next?
Yeah, that’s a bummer, but it happens. My Visa card was eaten by a bank ATM near my hotel at the Mamba Point Hotel. The key is to act fast. Note the exact time, date, and location of the ATM. There should be a phone number on the machine, but your best bet is to contact your own bank's fraud department. They'll likely block the card and issue a new one. Don't expect to get the old one back; it's a security risk. If you have a travel buddy, they can withdraw money for you while you wait for a new card.
Ugh, that's the worst feeling, especially when you need cash. A friend of mine had her American Express card swallowed by a bank ATM. The best advice is to call the number on the machine, but your most effective option is to contact your own bank. They can freeze the account to prevent fraud and issue you a new card. You’ll have to rely on other methods until the new card arrives. Having an emergency stash of US dollars is a lifesaver, as they are a widely accepted currency in Liberia.
This is a classic travel mishap, and it's even worse in a place like Liberia. I had my card retained by a bank ATM in Paynesville. Don't waste time waiting around. The most important thing is to call your bank at home immediately and have them block the card. It's highly unlikely the local bank, like International Bank (Liberia) Limited, will return a foreign card to you for security reasons. Your best bet is to have a backup card with you or to use a money transfer service like Western Union for quick cash.
That's a very frustrating situation, and in Liberia, where ATMs are not as common, it's a major problem. I had a similar issue with a GTBank ATM in Monrovia. The fastest way to resolve it is to go into the bank branch the ATM is attached to, if it's during business hours. They can often access the machine and retrieve your card. You'll need to show your passport to prove your identity. If it's after hours, call your home bank immediately and report the card as stolen. They will be able to lock the card and start the process of getting a new one to you.