Bank card users warned of tap-and-go card scam
Cases of fraudsters who try to use the tap-and-go function on cards and phones to make unauthorised transactions is on the rise, warns the National Financial Ombud Scheme.
Card payement / Pixabay: Maria_Domnina 4896672 1280
CAPE TOWN - Bank card users are being warned to be on the lookout for fraudsters who may try to use the tap-and-go function on cards and phones to make unauthorised transactions.
The National Financial Ombud Scheme said it's important to note that for a transaction to be made, a card machine needs to be very close to your card.
The scheme’s Nerosha Maseti explained how the technology works.
“NFC stands for near-field communication and it is basically a short-range wireless connectivity technology that uses magnetic field induction to enable communication between devices.”
Maseti said this NFC function is not only used for banking.
“When they touch together or brought within a few centimetres of each other, this includes authenticating credit cards, enabling physical access, transferring small files. Basically, enabling NFC on your phone allows you to make touchless payments using your device.”