How to Protect Yourself From Portable Point-of-Sale Scams

Extensive The use of non-communications non-communications systems, it is not surprising that portable point-off-sales thefts are returning. This type of robbery is enjoying a new wave of popularity and it is more difficult to spot how fast these transactions occur. But how much is there really risk? And how can you protect yourself from posses Scandal?

In the case of Sorrento

The recent example of Pos theft recently happened in Italy, when the news agency ANSA a few days ago when the subject exploded again Report An arrested in Soronto was made after trying to steal $ 100 from a cash register at a bar in the city center. During the search, Law enforcement It has been alleged that a modified portable poss terminal.

This is not the first time that the accused thief was stopped with this national device; The ANSA reported that they were first arrested in Rome. The device displayed in photos promoted by the media seems to be present as a portable poss capable of operating independently without being attached to a sungup single, or a smartphone. It is a popular type of device in the stall and market, its affordable and ease of use.

This is not the first to arrest the robbers with technology equipment. In fact, last year ANSA Report A similar event with fears at the highway rest stop.

Tough, but not impossible

There are two possible Operation mode For this type of scandal. The first one is more convenient for the robbers: they steal a wallet and subsequently create a series of a small transaction with a stolen card that does not need to enter the pin, as if imitating a series of short-term purchase. When the limit reaches, the wallet is dropped.

The second method can be described as a type of trolling. Thieves choose crowds with high density people, such as in contact with each other, such as lines in public transportation or commercial establishments. Then they proceed to make a payment request to a portable POS, hold it in their hands or hide it in any way and put it in the back pocket of pants, bags, fanny packs, backpacks, etc.

The success rate is very low due to several reasons. The first one is to get the transaction guarantee about 30 seconds, the request must be repeated from the POS. The second is the POS must contact the card, usually between 0.5 to 4 cm. The third is that there should be an interference element like other cards. Therefore, the robber must face multiple lucky situations to succeed. Although the success rate is very low, it is not zero, so it is best to limit your risk as possible. Here are some tips.

How to protect yourself

It goes without saying that if you are stuck your wallet in the back pocket of your pants in a simple scene, you do not only risk being snatched in a traditional way, you also create the best scene for this new scandal. You can choose for wallets with integrated RFID protection, which creates a true barrier to these types of scandals.

For maximum protection, you can also get notifications for small communication transactions through your bank application settings. The frauds usually choose a small amount, believe that the victim cannot get notifications – often the victim cannot notice that the amount is being withdrawn, perhaps confusing it with other small transactions. If you are reading for the scandal, it is advisable to contact your bank immediately to dispute the transaction: Since everything is searchable, it is possible to identify the device used by frauds, though they have switched on any of them.

Finally, almost all modern smartphones are now equipped with an NFC chip for non -communication payment. Using portable POS terminals, thefts can often be prevented by thefts that thefts should be prevented, so if anyone has a poss terminal on an unexpected phone, no transaction is done.

This story was originally attended Wired Italy And translated from Italian.