Wireless machine being used to clone debit, credit cards

Bhanu P Lohumi

Tribune News Service

Shimla, October 25

Beware, hackers are now using wireless machines to clone debit and credit cards for stealing data. Cyber criminals are using GSM Data Receiver Skimmer which enables them to clone bank card from a distance.

Difficult to spot hackers

• The wireless GSM data receiver accesses the card information with the help of a special software when cardholders swipes their card
• Various online shopping platforms are selling GSM Data Receiver Skimmer
• The device can collect 25,000 data records at a time
• It becomes difficult to identify criminals, who clone a bank card from a distance of 10 metres

The GSM data receiver clones and accesses all credit and debit card information with the help of a special software when cardholders swipe their card on point of sale (POS) system or use it at ATM terminals.

Various online shopping platforms are selling GSM Data Receiver Skimmer. The device can collect 25,000-27,000 data records at a time, sources in the Cyber Crime Department said.

Moreover, it is easy to download card information as criminals just need to connect it with a computer and the data will be saved. The device is so small and handy that is can be easily kept inside a bag or pocket. There are many sellers who have sold this device online in India, which cost around $999 (Rs 73,000 approx), sources said.

Narvir Singh Rathore, Additional SP, Cyber Crime, said five such cases had been reported in the state, from the ISBT-Shimla, Solan and Kangra this year, in which about Rs 80,000 have been withdrawn.

If money from bank account is siphoned off without sharing the card details or swiping card on ATM machine, it could be the case of cloning of card and the victim should immediately inform the cyber police, he cautioned.

It becomes difficult to identify the criminals, who clone a bank card from a distance of 10 metres as they will not be captured on CCTV cameras installed around point of transaction. As such, the public is advised to use radio-frequency identification (RFID) blocking ATM card cover or leathers purse to avoid scanning, he added.