United States Embassy Montevideo, Uruguay
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: ATM Security
November 9, 2017
The U.S. Embassy advises U.S. citizens to exercise caution when using ATM machines in the Montevideo area. Recent reports indicate individuals are using explosive devices to conduct thefts from ATMs.
On October 30 at approximately 4:30 a.m., criminals used an explosive device to steal from an ATM outside of a Disco supermarket located at the intersection of Chucarro and Pagola St. in the Playa de los Pocitos neighborhood.
On November 5 at approximately 1:30 a.m., criminals used an explosive device to steal from an ATM machine outside the Disco supermarket at the intersection of Barrios Amorin and Cebollati St. in the Barrio Sur neighborhood.
On November 6 at approximately 4:00 a.m., criminals attempted to detonate an explosive device to steal from an ATM machine outside the Disco supermarket located on Agraciada and Asencio St. in the Bella Vista neighborhood, but the device failed to detonate.
On November 8 at approximately 2:00 a.m., criminals attempted to detonate an explosive device to steal from an ATM machine outside of a furniture store located at the intersection of Garzon Avenue and 19 June St. in the Colon neighborhood.
When using an ATM in and around the Montevideo area, remain aware of your surroundings and maintain a high level of vigilance. Be observant of the people and vehicles around you. If something does not appear right, leave the area.
If confronted by an armed or unarmed robber, it is recommended you turn over your valuables and do not resist. Reports indicate that robbers do not typically injure compliant victims, but will resort to violence should they encounter resistance. Keep the amount of valuables on your person to a minimum (money, credit cards, cellular phones, jewelry, etc.).
If you encounter a crime in progress do not attempt to stop the crime. Confrontation with a criminal may provoke a violent response.
Report criminal activity to the appropriate local authorities.
For further information:
- See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information for Uruguay.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Contact the U.S. Embassy in Uruguay, located at Lauro Müller 1776, Montevideo, Uruguay, at (+598 2) 1770-2000. The after-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is (+598 2) 1770-2311.
- Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
- Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
