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UFC-Que Choisir highlights an increasingly common scam that threatens public transport users and targets their bank cards. This fraud, although frighteningly simple, allows crooks to discreetly steal up to 50 euros by using contactless payment technology.
As is often the case, it is the knowledge of the existence of such a scam that is your best weapon. Knowing that scammers can approach you and rob you without touching you can help protect yourself. There are, in fact, simple and very effective tips to avoid adding your name to the long list of victims.
UFC-Que Choisir denounces a simple and effective scam
Our colleagues at UFC-Que Choisir aim to defend the interests of consumers. To do this, they produce comparative studies and analyzes that we regularly share on Nuit France.
Their goal is to enforce consumer rights, advise them and represent them. Today, the UFC-Que Choisr warns them. A scam develops and stands out for its devious nature.
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This scam is based on the use of an Electronic Payment Terminal (TPE) that fraudsters transport to places where crowds gather, such as tram trains or buses. They simply need to discreetly approach passengers' pockets or bags to take a sample.
Indeed, in just two seconds, they validate the contactless payment and therefore receive the amount they enter on their TPE. The latter cannot go beyond 50 euros. Note that this scam is not new. In Montpellier or Menton, the authorities have actually been reporting it since 2019.
The concern of the UFC-Que Choisir
What particularly worries UFC-Que Choisir is the ease with which this scam can be reproduced. Unlike cyberattacks, this method does not require technical skills or sophisticated tools.
In fact, it is simply based on physical proximity and the use of a TPE, making fraud accessible to a wide range of criminals. Therefore, it's entirely possible that other scammers will follow suit.
All they need to do is obtain a TPE to engage in this scam. However, in big cities, it's not difficult to do a crowd bath. By traveling on a subway train during rush hour, scammers can increase their victims.
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This is why UFC-Que Choisir is sounding the alarm. Indeed, its goal is to inform the population thatsuch a scam is real. In this way, the French can act to defend themselves.
Protect yourself against money
To avoid being a victim, UFC-Que Choisir recommends several preventive measures. SO, the simplest is to get cases that block the waves. In this way, communication between your bank card and a TPE will be impossible. You can find them at affordable prices online.
For those who do not have the necessary funds, there is a trick that offers the same result. In fact, you just need surround your bank card with aluminum foil to block NFC waves.
Finally, UF-Que Choisir recommends that you regularly look at your accounts. If you notice the presence of a fraudulent direct debit, notify your bank immediately. This is essential to hope to obtain a refund.
The association also invites the authorities to strengthen the fight against this type of fraud and to promote technical solutions, such as the possibility of deactivating contactless payment on request.
Source: UFC-Que Choisir
