Holidaymakers are being charged more than a pound for a euro at continental ATMs.
Some 50,000 run by US-based EuroNet offer a poor exchange rate plus added fees.
Last week one Brit withdrew 50 euros in Italy and was stung for £53.
That compares to a more typical £42, with a pound worth 1.2 euros at current exchange rates.
The 40-year-old tourist from North London, said: “I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the message saying I’d been charged £53. I felt like my pocket had been picked.”
Tonight consumer champion Martyn James said: “This is the first time I’ve heard the rates going over the pound-to-euro threshold.
“People will see it, roll their eyes, and be angry but will exchange anyway because the kids are crying, everybody’s tired and you’re in a queue at the airport with all your luggage.
“It’s a cynical move and there’s no excuse when they know the exchange rate isn’t anywhere near that and they add additional fees. It’s deeply unfair.”
Mr James advises using bank “holes in the wall” to get the best deals.
EuroNet is based in Kansas City, US, and co-founder Michael J Brown is worth an estimated £80million.
The rip-offs come amid unprecedented foreign travel woes, with weeks of cancelled and delayed flights.
EuroNet was asked for comment.
