Australian State Links Tap-And-Go Cards To Crime Increase

Tap-and-go credit cards might be convenient for consumers, but they could also be convenient for thieves. At least, that is the mindset of some law enforcement in Victoria, Australia.

According to Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Ken Lay, tap-and-go credit cards have been a driving factor behind the state’s overall crime rate increase of 5 percent.

While MasterCard has disputed Victoria’s claims, Lay was adamant that the number of deceptions had increased by 11,600 and impacted overall crime rates. These “deceptions” include when thieves fraudulently used other people’s credit cards.

“We’re seeing many, many theft of motor cars, handbags and burglaries where people are looking for these cards, are getting hold of them and within hours of getting them, they’re going into stores and using them,” he explained to an Australian ABC affiliate. “So you’re getting this flow-on effect … mainly because of these types of offences.”

ABC News Online receive a statement from MasterCard, which said that it has met and discussed the issue several times with the Victorian Police Fraud Squad since the issue was first brought up a few months ago.

“As both MasterCard and industry data reveals no increase in fraud specifically relating to contactless technology, we have asked Victorian Police to clarify the source and nature of their crime statistics relating to contactless fraud,” the statement read.

Victorian Police Minister Kim Wells said that banks need to do more to ensure security and prevent fraud. While law enforcement may become frustrated, Wells told the ABC affiliate that banks must change how simple it is for thieves to use a card once it has been stolen.

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