Question 1

What is the "ATM Skimming in Philipsburg" scam in Sint Maarten / St. Martin?

Accepted Answer

The high volume of cruise passengers cycling through Philipsburg each week makes it an attractive target for ATM skimming devices, particularly on freestanding machines along Front Street and near the cruise pier parking area. Use ATMs inside the Windward Islands Bank or RBC Royal Bank branch on Philipsburg's Back Street rather than freestanding kiosks. Inspect the card slot for unusual attachments and cover your PIN entry. Set low daily withdrawal limits and use contactless card payment wherever accepted.

Question 2

What is the "Simpson Bay Casino Chip Exchange Shortfall" scam in Sint Maarten / St. Martin?

Accepted Answer

At Sint Maarten's Simpson Bay casino strip, floor agents and cashiers have been reported to shortchange tourists during chip-to-cash conversions, relying on the noise and confusion of the casino floor to obscure the discrepancy. The practice is concentrated at smaller standalone casino venues rather than at resort-attached casinos. Visitors who have been drinking are disproportionately targeted. Count your chips and cash carefully before and after every transaction. Use the cashier windows at licensed resort casinos rather than floor exchanges at smaller venues. Do not complete any cash exchange if you are impaired.

Money & ATM Scams in Sint Maarten / St. Martin

ATM Skimming in Philipsburg

Simpson Bay Casino Chip Exchange Shortfall

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