Clampdown on contactless mobile technology crime
Clampdown on contactless mobile technology crime
Friday 28th August 2009
New joint action against criminals abusing new contactless mobile phone technology has been announced by the government.The measures are designed to prevent criminals targeting technology that allows consumers to use their mobile phones as debit, credit and pre-pay cards.
The technology allows people to pay for things by swiping their phones over sensors in a similar way to Oyster cards on the London Underground.
The Home Office announced today it was working in partnership with the mobile phone and contactless technology industries to ensure consumers were not being put at added risk.
They are now aiming to ensure:
- Contactless payment functions, SIM cards and phones are disabled as soon as they are reported lost or stolen
- Transactions above the maximum contactless payment (currently £10) require PIN approval
- Consumers are encouraged to add their details to the national mobile phone register
Home Office minister Alan Campbell said: "These guidelines are an important step forward in protecting the public from criminals. I am pleased that the mobile and banking industries have worked with us to ensure that the public are protected at the earliest opportunity.
"By working closely with industry we have already put in place measures to make it harder for thieves to profit from mobile phone theft – around 90 per cent of handsets reported stolen are now blocked within 24 hours of reporting reducing their value and the incentive for criminals."
More than 22 million phones are currently listed on the national register, which allows users to be reunited with their lost or stolen phones.
"This technology is an exciting new development but we must continue to work together to reduce any new opportunities for criminals to profit from mobile theft," Mr Coaker added.
"As new technologies like this develop we aim to consider where safeguards can be incorporated at the drawing board stage."
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