Every year more and more Poles usage non-cash payments. According to the latest data of the National Bank of Poland, the number of payment cards in circulation at the end of 2023 was over 44 million. Unfortunately, with the increasing popularity of this form of payment, thieves are besides busy and are constantly developing fresh methods of extortion.
A fresh way of stealing erstwhile paying with a card – what to watch out for?
One of the most fresh threats associated with card payments are kind attacks ‘skiming’which have been expanding in fresh months. Thiefs usage specialized devices to copy payment card data without your knowledge. These devices are most frequently installed on payment terminals in shops, or even at ATMs. This allows criminals to gain full access to the funds in their account.
Thieves are besides increasingly active in public places specified as buying malls or restaurants. Most frequently they choose the minute erstwhile the user distracts from the payment terminal – that's erstwhile the card data is copied.
How does skimming work?
Skimming consists of illegally copying information from the magnetic card bar. Criminals frequently install peculiar caps on terminals or ATMs that evidence data during transactions. In more advanced cases, thieves usage miniature cameras to evidence the PIN code, allowing them full access to the victim's account.
It is besides worth paying attention to more subtle methods of theft. fresh technologies let uncontacted copying of data from proximity cards, which makes users of these cards peculiarly susceptible to attacks, especially in crowded places.
How do you defend yourself?
To avoid theft during card payment, it is worth applying any simple but effective safety rules:
- Use RFID overlays – if you are utilizing proximity cards, it is worth investing in a peculiar case blocking radio waves (RFID) that will prevent you from copying the data from the card.
- Check the terminal before use – if you announcement that the terminal or ATM looks suspicious (e.g. it has loose elements or caps), quit the transaction and study the business to the store or bank.
- Regularly check transaction history – Tracking your transactions on an ongoing basis will let you to respond rapidly if you announcement a suspicious operation on your account.
- Avoid Unknown Terminals – effort to pay with a card only in proven places, especially erstwhile it comes to small, private outlets.
- Activate payment limits – setting a limit on proximity transactions or online payments can minimise the hazard of stealing larger sums.
What if you fall victim?
If you fishy that your data has been copied, immediate action is crucial:
- Lock Tab – if you announcement an unauthorized transaction, contact the bank immediately to block the card.
- Call the police. – stealing card data is simply a crime, so it is worth reporting the incidental to law enforcement.
- Monitor Account – Even after the theft has been reported, check the transaction past regularly to guarantee that no further attempts have been made.
Non-cash payments are convenient, but they carry risks. Thieves are inactive developing fresh methods of fraud, so it is crucial to be aware of the risks and take action to defend their data. Be careful and follow simple safety rules can effectively minimise the hazard of failure of resources.
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Watch how you pay your credit card at the store. Thieves have a fresh way!
