Thieves targeting contact-less cards

Police are receiving more than one complaint a day involving fraudulent use of contact-less credit cards. Photo / YouTube

Party-goers are being urged to be careful with their contact-less credit and debit cards as an increasing number of thieves target tipsy revellers, police say.

Although these cards provide convenience for people on-the-go, police are receiving more than one complaint a day involving fraudulent use of contact-less credit cards, Waikato Police district prevention manager inspector Kent Holdsworth said.

"Unfortunately though, like a lot of new technology that is designed to benefit the public, there are elements in our society who seek to illegally profit from such innovations and we've been getting several complaints from across the Waikato," he said.

Paywave can be used to make purchases under $80 without entering a pin.

Thieves were targeting drunk partygoers at parties, Mr Holdsworth said.

"And watch what you're drinking, it may be that not everyone is in a party mood and some people may be laying in wait, ready to take not only advantage of you and your credit card as well.

"Then while no-one is watching or able to pay attention, a victim's credit card is stolen."

Recently, a victim had gone to sleep on the couch in an apartment and left her door open.

"When she awoke she found an opportunist burglar had darted in, stolen her card and already made a number of purchases," Mr Holdsworth said.

In another example, a card was stolen in the middle of the day and used in four service stations to make purchases over a 25 minute period.

A total of $113.79 was spent at two service stations where the third and fourth attempt was declined.

The most common items purchased with the stolen cards were cigarettes and tobacco, alcohol, snacks and fuel, he said.

Police advised the public to immediately notify their bank and police if heir card was stolen, so it can be cancelled.