Stay Alert: New Pickpocketing Schemes Emerging in Europe
Beware of Advanced Pickpocketing Tactics in Italy and Across Europe
Italian police have recently apprehended a group of pickpockets employing a startling new method: card scanners concealed within their bags.
This represents a novel form of theft that has not been previously encountered.
The thieves insert a card-swiping device into their bags and then position themselves close to you. The device is pre-programmed with a payment amount, typically a small sum, that can be automatically deducted from your card without needing a PIN. In the instance discovered in Italy, the amount was 50€ per transaction.
These pickpockets are exploiting NFC technology, a short-range wireless connection, to easily link their devices to unsuspecting tourists' cards.
If you find yourself navigating crowded areas during your European travels, it's crucial to remain vigilant. Your card could be drained even while it remains securely in your wallet.
Travelers are advised to store their cards in thicker wallets or secure bags to make it difficult for these opportunistic thieves to operate.
A Quick Note for Fellow Travelers: While many modern wallets feature RFID blocking to shield against signal interception, an extra layer of caution is always a wise precaution.
