Like everything in this world, technology can be used for good or bad purposes. NFC is a technology that enables making small payments without the need to sign or slide your card in the terminal reader, its a contactless technology.

It works very simple. You only have to bring your card close to the reader device and it is done, no confirmation is needed. This technology is comfortable but could be dangerous if not properly managed. But how it works and why could be dangerous?

Let’s see some useful terms:

NFC : Near Field Communication: Communication within centimeters.

: Near Field Communication: Communication centimeters. RFID : Radio-frequency Identification: enabling communication using radio waves.

: Radio-frequency Identification: using radio waves. Tag: the ‘thing’ that contains the info and is read.

RFID is the process by which items are uniquely identified using radio waves, and NFC is subset within the family of RFID technology.

The items must have a tag, just like your card in order to be read. This tags are used to store information that can only be read using radio signals. What kind on Info is store in your card? Credit Card number, Bank Account, Expiration Dates and the holder Name, this should be enough to ease the process of creating duplicates (fake) cards since the bad actor already have your legitimate and real data.

Once your data was stolen, fakes cards are either created for fraudulent purchases or sold in black markets, that’s why some US Credit cards reported usage on Zimbabwe or Korea or somewhere else.

This tag [installed on cards] reacts to the power emitted by the reader. When you buy groceries and decide to pay using this method, you just take your card from your wallet (or even your whole wallet) and bring it close to the reader. That’s it. Easy and no complications. The tag is activated by the reader power.

But, think about it…

What stops the guy behind you or in crowded streets, malls, stores, bars etc…. of having a NFC reader?

Everyone can buy a NFC reader in any web market store and walk around “catching” RFID signals from anywhere (your cards). The tags transfer the information to any reader. Some security measures are being set but some devices just have them turned off, just like fences where the door lock its open…

This is called RFID Skimming and is happening in every place where close proximity with other person is not uncommon, like Public Transportation, Restaurants, Queues (ATM, Gas pumps, Cinema…), retail stores, malls, etc.

Some very cheap and simple tips to minimize the risk are:

Place RFID cards together.

Keep them in the front pocket (not your wallet)

Be sure that nobody is too close to you (your card. They don’t even have to touch you. That’s why this tech is contactless (its radio waves)

Set very low limits and limit the usage.

Stay alert on sudden changes on your environment. Disguised readers can be suddenly placed on funny locations.

But the best from my point of view is: use RFID Shields and remain alert.