As technology advances, people’s comforts undoubtedly improve. But there are also times when the opposite process occurs: you become more vulnerable, especially to the risk of suffering different types of fraud and theft.
It is common to come across messages from the National Police about scams that arrive via SMS, WhatsApp or so-called phishing (usurpations of well-known names), but there are even more direct threats. This is precisely what happens with “contactless” payments. That is to say, how much you use your bank card wirelessly.
This is how contactless payments work
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As much as they have become very common today, payments using contactless technology are by no means free of dangers. This payment method is based on NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, which allows short-distance wireless communication between devices.
When using contactless-equipped debit or credit cards or mobile devices such as smartphones, you can make transactions by simply bringing the device close to the payment terminal, saving you from having to insert the card.
Nevertheless, The operation of contactless payment involves the emission of radio frequency signals between the card (or phone) and the payment terminalWith all of that implies.
This payment method has several security guarantees, based on the fact that it is used for small amounts, since, otherwise, additional verification is necessary. But as with any topic related to technology, it is not a foolproof method, far from it.
The risks of paying via contactless
The main scam of contactless payments comes from the process known as skimming. This basically defines the trick of some criminals of bring malicious radio frequency reading devices (to understand) that, placed in strategic places, can steal your card information. For example, at ATMs.
Furthermore, there are other obvious weaknesses, such as the fact that If someone steals your card, they can make purchases impersonating you (small ones, yes) without needing to confirm your identity. As long as they stay below the spending limit, it’s virtually impossible to spot fraud until you look at your bank account.
In some cases, criminals even go out of their way to make small expenses, so that Even keeping track of your movements, if it is not very thorough, it can be overlooked for a long time.. Sometimes it is more convenient and lucrative for them than trying to steal large amounts, which attract attention much sooner.
Thus, it is clear that if you use the contactless payment method, it is important to closely monitor your bank account, as well as keep your card under control. Although contactless payment systems are designed with high security standards, the constant evolution of cyber threats means that risks are always present.
Setting spending limits, activating notifications when you make a purchase or keeping your phone or cards always properly updated, help you be less vulnerable to this type of scams and threats.
