Fraud with contactless bank cards: how not to become a victim of fraud

In today's world, users are increasingly opting for contactless payment cards and NFC-enabled phones to make purchases simply by bringing their smartphone close to the terminal. At the same time, in the era of cyber-technologies, perhaps, no one will be surprised that scammers will also look for ways to covet other people's finances. What to be afraid of and how to avoid fraud with a contactless bank card, we will talk below.

Where are contactless technologies applied?

Not only terminals in stores support contactless reading technology. We come across the system of working with NFC tags very often, for example, when there is a functionality of electronic badges in an organization.

It should be understood that in order for the contactless reading system to work, as well as reading in general, it is necessary to have certain software that allows you to both write information to a plastic medium (for example, about the owner of the pass) and read this information.

More and more enterprises, whether they are retail outlets, transport organizations or offices with the need for a throughput system, are switching to terminals or NFC tag readers. Someone puts stationary devices, while others buy small portable readers that work when directly connected to a laptop or other similar device.

It is these last, very compact devices that can be dangerous for contactless cardholders.

NFC Fraud

Some time ago, the Internet community was excited by a video message from a popular blogger about receiving a reader from Aliexpress, with which you can debit money from a bank card without the knowledge of the owner.

Details can be seen here:

How scammers operate

It is important to remember that the danger is not hidden in the device itself, which, by the way, can be purchased not only on the Chinese trade portal, but also in Russian stores. But about the gadget itself a little lower. The danger lies in the software that is installed on the thief's laptop, where, exactly, the reader is connected.

The fraudster must have both a laptop and a compact reader with him, which he will try to bring to the card. Some may note that it is impossible not to notice a person with two devices.However, given the size of modern "laptops" and the diminutiveness of the reader, we can safely say that scammers have every chance of success.

As a result of such illegal manipulations, the client may lose up to 1000 rubles.

Important! The amount of 1000 rubles is the maximum because it does not require the client to enter a PIN code to debit the account. If the maximum increases in the future, then the risks will be higher.

What is a reader

There are a lot of models capable of processing NFC tags in a compact size. Consider, for example, the ACR122U-A9 model. Device dimensions: Size: 98 mm (L) x 65 mm (W) x 12.8 mm (H), weight: 70 g.

The reader works with SO 14443 Type A and B, ISO / IEC 1809 tags, is capable of functioning in three available NFC modes, be it reading, emulation and peer-to-peer. It is the last wording that involves the exchange of data, including financial.

The reader is connected to the computer via a USB connector, supports operating systems: Windows, Mac OS, Linux.

Important! That the device can be seen by the signals of the two-color LED.

On Russian trading floors, the device is sold with software, the average cost is 6,000 rubles.

Remember! That the device itself does not aim to rob bank card holders, it becomes dangerous with fraudulent software.

How to protect your card from scammers

Rule one: Connect SMS-informing services.

It is important to understand that for a bank account such an operation, in fact, is no different from a purchase or payment in some terminal network. This means that when it is completed, the client will receive a notification on his mobile phone.

Yes, the operation has been completed, but prompt communication with the bank or a quick focus on others will help prevent repeated write-offs.

Rule two: Don't leave the card unattended.

After paying for the purchase or settlement in transport, the card should be immediately removed from free access. A fraction of a second will be enough to carry out a fraudulent operation.

Rule three: Do not carry the card where you can bring the reader close to it.

As you can see, no reader will work at a great distance. But the thin fabric of a trouser or jacket pocket, and even the material of a handbag, will not be able to block the contactless access of the reader.

Therefore, when removing a card, try to block it from the outside world with some kind of denser barrier.

Ladies are advised to place the card in the middle pocket of the bag, it is better if it is additionally placed in a wallet or other tight case.

Men should also use a purse, and not just put a means of payment in their pocket.

It is important to never put bank cards in the back pocket of your trousers. Agree, bringing something to the breast pocket is much more difficult than to the back. In the latter case, the owner may simply not notice it.

If it was not possible to keep track of the bank card, and the money was still debited, you should immediately contact the bank that issued the card. You will have to do this personally in order to write statements demanding to challenge the operation. Credit institutions, as a rule, are able to solve this problem.

As a conclusion, it is worth noting that the security of their finances, first of all, must be ensured by the cardholder.Being vigilant and taking precautions means staying with your money.