The new scam where you could be pick pocketed without thieves even touching your wallet
THIEVES and pickpockets could use contactless card technology to steal cash without even touching your wallet.
Pickpockets could use contactless card technology to steal cash without even touching your wallet
The new scam sees thieves use a 'point of sale' device that resembles a mobile phone to steal money from unsuspecting members of the public.
By keying in a price of less than £30, pickpockets then target their victims by simply touching their pocket which holds their wallet.
The scam which has gone viral and been shared by thousands of people appears to have started in Russia.
The UK Card Association says there have been no reports of the scam in the UK and warned cardholders are fully protected against fraud.
As the use of contactless cards becomes commonplace, there has been a surge in people ordering card protectors and using foil to 'protect' their accounts.
The UK Cards Association says such devices are not needed.
In order to be able receive any money from a card payment, a retailer account must be set up with an acquiring bank
A spokesman for the trade body said: "In order to be able receive any money from a card payment, a retailer account must be set up with an acquiring bank. All acquirers carry out thorough security checks before setting up an account, and monitor new accounts for any suspicious activity.
"Every card payment is fully traceable, right through to the recipient account, meaning if any fraud is reported the recipient is easily identifiable.
"Any such funds would be claimed back by the card company through the established chargeback scheme."
This image of a man holding a 'point of sale' device has been shared by thousands
Keys, mobile phones and other cards all interfere with the radio signal on your contactless card, meaning thieves would have to be within touching distance to steal your money.
The spokesman added: "Contactless cards need to be presented correctly to a card reader – this includes being only a few centimetres away, and not near any metallic objects, including keys, mobile phones or other cards, which would interfere with the signal.
"Cardholders are fully protected against fraud and would receive a full refund from their bank."
Contactless cards are now widely accepted
Using contactless technology pickpockets may only have to stand near their victims
Despite contactless payments not requiring a PIN to be entered, there is a limit on the amount that can be spent using contactless.
Research by consumer rights group Which? suggests a thief would be able to spend between £45 and £100 before being asked to provide a PIN.