Be Aware: New Possible PIN Theft Scheme

[Jay 2K Winger]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Vc-69M-UWk

In short: there is now a device one can attach to your smart phone, which looks like a smart phone case, that actually is a FLIR infrared camera.

Using this, a thief could potentially steal your PIN number. In the video above, the guy explains how it works, and provides a simple way to protect yourself from getting your PIN stolen.

So be aware, folks!

[greek_jester]

Useful vid, thanks. Of course, another way would be to simply plaster you hand across the entire pad after pressing "Enter", as you pull the card out with your other hand...

[AccountingDrone]

LOL I love spy vs spy movies and books, and have had the habit of holding my palm on the keys briefly to fight just that happening as I enter my highly top secret access code ... ROFL. Nice to see that my odd habit is actually good for something =)

[lordlundar]

Hmm, I wonder how a pen or a stylus would fare with foiling this.

[Jay 2K Winger]

Hmm, I wonder how a pen or a stylus would fare with foiling this.

That was my thought as well.

[MoonCat]

As someone asked in the comments on that video....how can they use the PIN code without the card? Won't they have to steal your card in order to use the code?

[LillFilly]

As someone asked in the comments on that video....how can they use the PIN code without the card? Won't they have to steal your card in order to use the code?

I wondered if since they have their phone out, they could take a photo of your card too and made a copy of it.

[Chromatix]

The obvious tactic, which is already used by professional card gangs, is to obtain the PIN (by whatever means) and *then* steal the card.

Or to skim the card (take a copy of the magnetic stripe), so they don't have to steal it off you, and then they can use it in any country that doesn't have Chip-&-PIN (until the bank's fraud systems catch up with them).