Hi guys. 

I'm new to this forum, but wanted to post something constructive to help break the ice.  So here it is...

Having recently seen various television adverts for 'contactless' banking, and as someone that's just received one of these new style payment cards, my jaw nearly hit the floor when I came across the following website.

http://www.e-pickpocket.com

I don't claim to understand the technology involved, but the video at this site appears to suggest that criminals (sometimes described as an e-pickpocket no less) can gain unauthorised access to certain information from 'contactless' payment cards, passports or door entry systems - and what's more, they do this skimming remotely; i.e. as their victims walk past!!!

Someone say it ain't so - I've got enough on my plate to deal with at present.

Unfortunately, this issue is now moving 'centre stage', with the announcement by Channel 4 News revealing that millions of bank customers could be exposed to e-pickpocketing.

On Friday 23 March 2012, Channel 4 News successfully demonstrated that with a new (and widely available) mobile phone application (App) it was possible to convert a standard smart phone into an effective credit card skimmer.

Following the demonstration, Channel 4 News was able to purchase goods over the internet using only the information gained via this unauthorised 'skimming' technique!!

The video can be viewed in full at: RFID Protect

Please spread the word to anyone that could be affected -i.e. barclays bank customers (issued with new style 'contactless' cards) seem to be most at risk.

 This is an serious issue. But is becoming common these days. People needs to be aware about it.

Surely what's concerning here is that the technology in question seems common to more than just bank cards.  According to Channel 4, first it was a problem with contactless cards issued by barclays bank.  But now they appear to be saying it affects other RFID bank cards too!  So I'm thinking what about our e-passports? 

Same technology, same problems???

And how come America now issues new bio-metric passports complete with some sort of foil lining / inside cover.  Here's where I found this interesting bit of news from:  contactless.wordpress.com

I'm taking no chances, because from the way this story is developing, some might reasonably suggest that what we are witness to right now - is only the tip of the iceberg.

Update...

This story just won't go away...

"Everyone’s favourite daytime TV show This Morning featured a selection of RFID blocking products during a slot about credit card fraud and the fast-growing issue of ‘e-pickpocketing‘. During a five-minute feature, presenter Phillip Schofield showcased RFID Protect’s latest Leather Multi-card Holder, which has been designed in collaboration with crime-reduction officers at Victoria Police, Australia and is new to the UK.

Mr Schofield was visibly shocked at the ease by which information can be ‘skimmed’ from a contactless credit or debit card; during a demonstration given by Thomas Cannon (Director of Research and Development) at American company ViaForensics.

First shown on Thursday 10th May, 2012 the programme can be viewed again for a limited period, at http://www.itv.com/thismorning/ and a direct link to their Crime File discussion area for this particular issue can be found at: http://www.itv.com/thismorning/life/crime-file-120510/"

If Phillip Schofield was visibly shocked at how easy it is to skim contactless bank cards, can you imagine what your average little old lady is going to make of this...scary!