PayWave. Zip. ExpressPay. PayPass. These are some of the names of ‘contactless’ cards, and if you own one you should be extra vigilant. These cards are fitted with a Radio Frequency Identification Chip (RFID) and the idea was to simplify purchases. While retail transactions may be a little easier, so is stealing your money.
Some modern smartphones are equipped with Near Field Communications (NFC) which means they can read and transmit RFID data easily.
With the right malware, a hacker can access your phone and scan your pocket for the RFID enabled credit card.
They can then take this data, and use a magnetizing device to upload the stolen credit card data onto a blank card. Your credit card has just been cloned, without even leaving your pocket.
A hacked smartphone can read an RFID chip through your pants or even a leather wallet!