topic Re: Any identity risks when using Amex ExpressPay, Discover Zip, etc? in Credit Cards

Any identity risks when using Amex ExpressPay, Discover Zip, etc?

GoldenloveNY — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 20:08:03 GMT

I have been using the ExpressPay feature on my ZYNC a lot lately. However, I am concern on how Amex ExpressPay and similar "contactless" pay options on credit cards can raise identity or fraud risks. What is being wirelessly transmitted from the chip in my Amex Charge card to the machine? Can the information transmission be hacked by a computer hacker?

Re: Any identity risks when using Amex ExpressPay, Discover Zip, etc?

jsucool76 — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 20:12:04 GMT

You can buy RFID readers on ebay for $10 and then hook them up to a computer and scan peoples cards through their wallet.

I would just always check the rfid reader and make sure it looks like it is supposed to be there, not like it was duct taped on. Only one of my cards has this option and i never really use it. It isn't really any easier than swiping a card.

Your risk is about as high as a waiter/waitress stealing your card # when they take your card ti pay the bill.

Re: Any identity risks when using Amex ExpressPay, Discover Zip, etc?

trumpet-205 — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 20:13:33 GMT

RFID transmits your credit card information wireless. The data like magnetic strip, is not encrypted. You can even use smartphone to capture this information.

However, for RFID fraud to occur, thieve must be standing right next to you. RFID has incredibly short range. It will only be a problem if you are walking in a crowded area like New York or LA. Buying a RFID wallet or stuffinf aluminum foil inside your wallet is enough to shield unwanted RFID communication.

Re: Any identity risks when using Amex ExpressPay, Discover Zip, etc?

injustifiiable — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 20:20:25 GMT

There's always a slight risk with using any of those RFID cards. The machines themselves at POS stations are pretty secure, I'd just be worried about everyone else. Some folks can carry some equipment that can capture the card number and exp date and therefore have a field day.

They do have special wallets and protector sleeves that can block the signals.

ETA: If any fraud of this sort were to happen, you'd still be covered under the Zero-Liability policy from the issuer.

Re: Any identity risks when using Amex ExpressPay, Discover Zip, etc?

GoldenloveNY — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 20:19:16 GMT

Thanks.

Re: Any identity risks when using Amex ExpressPay, Discover Zip, etc?

distantarray — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 20:20:35 GMT

@injustifiiable wrote:
There's always a slight risk with using any of those RFID cards. The machines themselves at POS stations are pretty secure, I'd just be worried about everyone else. Some folks can carry some equipment that can capture the card number and exp date and therefore have a field day.

They do have special wallets and protector sleeves that can block the signals.

yea but at the sametime if you have to pull the card outta your wallet or putting it a protector sleeve it kinda defeats the purpose of NFC technology imo.

Re: Any identity risks when using Amex ExpressPay, Discover Zip, etc?

Anonymous — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 20:21:50 GMT

I think it increases your odds of fraud. When my cards come with them I ask for one without it and they always send one. If you can pass your card across a reader you can swipe it instead just as easy.

Re: Any identity risks when using Amex ExpressPay, Discover Zip, etc?

injustifiiable — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 20:23:26 GMT

@distantarray wrote:
@injustifiiable wrote:
There's always a slight risk with using any of those RFID cards. The machines themselves at POS stations are pretty secure, I'd just be worried about everyone else. Some folks can carry some equipment that can capture the card number and exp date and therefore have a field day.

They do have special wallets and protector sleeves that can block the signals.
yea but at the sametime if you have to pull the card outta your wallet or putting it a protector sleeve it kinda defeats the purpose of NFC technology imo.

That's true. I have a Chase debit card with the technology and like being able to just touch my wallet to the reader and be on my way. The only places around here that have the readers are McDonalds, CVS, soda machines at the train stations, and when I'm in NYC, the yellow cabs. lol.

Re: Any identity risks when using Amex ExpressPay, Discover Zip, etc?

distantarray — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 20:26:10 GMT

@injustifiiable wrote:
@distantarray wrote:
@injustifiiable wrote:
There's always a slight risk with using any of those RFID cards. The machines themselves at POS stations are pretty secure, I'd just be worried about everyone else. Some folks can carry some equipment that can capture the card number and exp date and therefore have a field day.

They do have special wallets and protector sleeves that can block the signals.
yea but at the sametime if you have to pull the card outta your wallet or putting it a protector sleeve it kinda defeats the purpose of NFC technology imo.
That's true. I have a Chase debit card with the technology and like being able to just touch my wallet to the reader and be on my way. The only places around here that have the readers are McDonalds, CVS, soda machines at the train stations, and when I'm in NYC, the yellow cabs. lol.

convient stores usually have them too which makes it perfect for Chase Trifecta on the Freedom card which I opted, since I get 10 points extra for having checking / freedom for purchases under $20 it's recommneded to use the freedom for everything since it's basically 2 points for everything. So a $1 coffee will get me 11 points/cents value back.

Re: Any identity risks when using Amex ExpressPay, Discover Zip, etc?

GoldenloveNY — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 20:28:42 GMT

Some places like Walgreens it's not worth it. I pass my card across their machine, but I still have to tap the screen, select "credit", and select "yes" when it ask me if the amount is okay. What's the purpose of having ExpressPay then? CVS, on the other, just processed my charge, and I am done in a sec.

Re: Any identity risks when using Amex ExpressPay, Discover Zip, etc?

injustifiiable — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 20:29:07 GMT

7-Eleven is another place...we don't have them in my hometown but when I go to NYC I always stop by one to have a Slurpee.

Could use one now. lol

Re: Any identity risks when using Amex ExpressPay, Discover Zip, etc?

injustifiiable — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 20:30:20 GMT

@GoldenloveNY wrote:
Some places like Walgreens it's not worth it. I pass my card across their machine, but I still have to tap the screen, select "credit", and select "yes" when it ask me if the amount is okay. What's the purpose of having ExpressPay then? CVS, on the other, just processed my charge, and I am done in a sec.

I noticed that too, there and at Duane Reade (owned by Walgreens)....kinda stupid if you ask me. lol

Re: Any identity risks when using Amex ExpressPay, Discover Zip, etc?

jsickz32 — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 20:34:01 GMT

wait if you order one of these for your amex card they come with a chip?

Re: Any identity risks when using Amex ExpressPay, Discover Zip, etc?

GoldenloveNY — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 20:34:19 GMT

@injustifiiable wrote:
@GoldenloveNY wrote:
Some places like Walgreens it's not worth it. I pass my card across their machine, but I still have to tap the screen, select "credit", and select "yes" when it ask me if the amount is okay. What's the purpose of having ExpressPay then? CVS, on the other, just processed my charge, and I am done in a sec.
I noticed that too, there and at Duane Reade (owned by Walgreens)....kinda stupid if you ask me. lol

And the cashier always ask me "what's you zip code?"...for the love of God!!! I think paying with cash would be a quicker process....

Re: Any identity risks when using Amex ExpressPay, Discover Zip, etc?

GoldenloveNY — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 20:37:09 GMT

@jsickz32 wrote:
wait if you order one of these for your amex card they come with a chip?

Mine ZYNC didn't I had to call and request one with the ExpressPay Chip. They overnighted the card.

Re: Any identity risks when using Amex ExpressPay, Discover Zip, etc?

jsickz32 — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 20:37:13 GMT

@GoldenloveNY wrote:
@injustifiiable wrote:
@GoldenloveNY wrote:
Some places like Walgreens it's not worth it. I pass my card across their machine, but I still have to tap the screen, select "credit", and select "yes" when it ask me if the amount is okay. What's the purpose of having ExpressPay then? CVS, on the other, just processed my charge, and I am done in a sec.
I noticed that too, there and at Duane Reade (owned by Walgreens)....kinda stupid if you ask me. lol

And the cashier always ask me "what's you zip code?"...for the love of God!!! I think paying with cash would be a quicker process....

i always get this too when using my amex at walgreens! even with my BofA amex

Re: Any identity risks when using Amex ExpressPay, Discover Zip, etc?

jsickz32 — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 20:38:31 GMT

@GoldenloveNY wrote:
@jsickz32 wrote:
wait if you order one of these for your amex card they come with a chip?
Mine ZYNC didn't I had to call and request one with the ExpressPay Chip. They overnighted the card.

i know but is it a actual chip in front of the card? can you order this on any amex card? cuz i think it would look weird on a bce lol

Re: Any identity risks when using Amex ExpressPay, Discover Zip, etc?

injustifiiable — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 20:39:47 GMT

@jsickz32 wrote:
@GoldenloveNY wrote:
@jsickz32 wrote:
wait if you order one of these for your amex card they come with a chip?
Mine ZYNC didn't I had to call and request one with the ExpressPay Chip. They overnighted the card.

i know but is it a actual chip in front of the card? can you order this on any amex card? cuz i think it would look weird on a bce lol

No, it's a RFID chip so it's built in. Not like the EMV one...

Re: Any identity risks when using Amex ExpressPay, Discover Zip, etc?

Anonymous — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 20:42:26 GMT

Usually somebody needs a name and address to use a card. So there is some protection there.

Also, only authorized RFID readers that are registered with their respective issue can process the card via RFID. So there is also some protection there.

I think the risk is just about as high as getting info stolen any other way. People don't generally get close enough to people they don't know for them to steal info via RFID, so again some protection there.

Re: Any identity risks when using Amex ExpressPay, Discover Zip, etc?

GoldenloveNY — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 20:43:22 GMT

@jsickz32 wrote:
@GoldenloveNY wrote:
@jsickz32 wrote:
wait if you order one of these for your amex card they come with a chip?
Mine ZYNC didn't I had to call and request one with the ExpressPay Chip. They overnighted the card.

i know but is it a actual chip in front of the card? can you order this on any amex card? cuz i think it would look weird on a bce lol

The chip is inside the card. The card is thicker than non-express pay cards (looks like two cards are glued together).