A few months ago, my U.S. debit card was cloned. This was discovered immediately after the thieves withdrew the maximum R$1000. I still don't know how it happened, because I always check the card slot for unusual devices.

The money was replaced after I disputed the charge and the fraud was validated. But in the 20 years I've had this debit card, this is the first time this has happened to me. It makes me wonder whether there has been a recent rash of card skimming in Brazil that has prompted banks to reduce their risk.