Contactless Cards From Barclay’s Have Serious Problems

There has been a rather large investigation into the users of contactless debit or credit cards from Barclay, which are primarily designed to make payments when held close to certain devices and readers. What has come to the authorities attention is that certain individuals have had their identities and details stolen without knowing it.

What has been discovered is rather astonishing and quite clever considering the circumstances. Special readers, which are built into most new mobile phones, are able to read the data from the cards in wallets and pockets in just one swipe. Once the data is taken from the card they found that the most common charges were to Amazon.com.

The scanning technology is only able to access the confidential details of Barclay issues cards and other banks and banking systems can’t be affected by the card fraud problem. Due to the problem however, Information Commissioner, Christopher Graham had raised the prospect of potential fines for Barclays. Official are due to meet with Barclays executives to discuss the potential fines, penalties and losses.

“The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills called for urgent action amid the claims of serious security flaws. There are standards in place which are designed to prevent this and all operators should comply with them,” said a local spokesman.