Credit Card Security

Thames Valley Police has issued the following warning about 'contactless payment' credit and debit cards.

On most new credit or debit cards, you will see a wireless symbol which informs you that your card uses Radio Frequency Identification RFID technology. This allows you to simply tap your card on card-readers to make payments of up to £30.

However, this facility comes with security risks, as criminals can create an RFID reader with minimal effort and steal your details. They can also download an app onto their Smartphones to achieve the same results. They only need to brush past your pocket or bag with their device to do this. You might not even notice it happening.

You can prevent this happening with the Card Defender. This is a sleeve card holder that provides RFID-blocking technology and it protects contactless cards from being read. A similar device was demonstrated on a recent edition of BBC TV's 'Rip off Britain'.

We recommend that everyone carrying contactless cards should have one or more Card Defenders. This also applies to Oyster cards and student ID cards.

Card Defenders are now available from Thames Valley Neighbourhood Watch Association for just £1.00 each; 5 for £4.00, or 10 for £7 plus postage.

Please distribute this information to your family, neighbours and friends.

To order please contact us at: naomi.arnold33@gmail.com