I’m sharing this because I’ve been a victim of a new sophisticated scam. It’s only possible because the banks have created a situation that criminals can take advantage of.
Someone cloned my card and pin using a scanner without even being near me. They then used this contactless function at an ATM to withdraw the maximum cash limit allowed by my bank.
Many big banks now let you withdraw cash using a code on your phone. As long as you know the card details and pin you don’t need a physical card.
Be careful sharing your card details and be very vigilant as the devices they use are getting much more difficult to detect. I will get my cash back with a claim but I’m shocked this could happen and was so puzzled as to how they could do it. Until I read that it’s something the banks have facilitated by introducing this contactless phone app route to get cash out of a machine!
In their rush to get rid of not only cash but also bank cards, they are creating a complete free for all for scammers and fraudsters.
I’m sorry to read that Annie, even although you got the money back the experience must have been both upsetting and unsettling. I’m easily confused, do you think it was the app on your phone that was the weak link or your actual card that was somehow scanned?
Sorry to hear about your experience Annie, that’s one of my worst fears about this digital age we’re going through! I agree with every word you said, I just don’t understand why instead of improving digital security, it seems like it’s becoming a “free for all to see and use” service! I hate being advised to download apps to “simplify” services that used to be actually much safer, simpler and quicker with paperwork, I don’t want them, especially if it’s for personal details!
I keep my bank card in an rifd holder in my wallet, I don’t use cash machines, if I have to, I will go into a bank and use one inside, ( if the bank is open of course, ), if I have to withdraw money, I’ll use a post office…
The card is scanned with a system that immediately sends a signal to the criminal’s mobile phone. The same device scrambles the machine code so that it rejects contactless and you have to put your pin in. You might think that it’s the bank making you do that. It told me payment declined. So then you put the pin in and the crims get all the details they need to use the online payment transfer of cash from an ATM. This is only possible because banks have introduced ATM cash withdrawals without the need for a card and pin.
Just ordered a couple of anti scan cards for myself and Sue. Anything to protect is better than nothing, Now they can even scan your card in your pocket by just standing next to you
Thanks for the heads up Annie, and sorry that you got scammed.
I still use cash as much as I can, I think it will catch on…
No chance of having your card cloned, no emails exchanged, no apps to download, just spot something you want to buy and hand over some folding stuff. No names addresses or postcodes…Just your mugshot on the shops camera.
I hate being advised to download apps to “simplify” services that used to be actually much safer, simpler and quicker with paperwork, I don’t want them, especially if it’s for personal details! 
