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Barclaycard to automatically send out new 3-in-1 cards
(19-12-07) - Barclaycard has been criticised over its plans to automatically replace all its credit cards with new OnePulse cards unless customers opt out.
Having already come under attack over possible security issues, Barclaycard customers who don’t notice the small print that they must opt out, will also have some details automatically passed on to Transport for London under the OysterCard part of the scheme, reported The Guardian.
The new cards that can be used to make “cashless purchases” will be sent out to replace the traditional credit cards. Customers living in London can use them as OysterCards to travel across the capital and all users will be able to use them at a growing number of outlets to make purchases by scanning their card across a reader - without having to input a PIN number or sign.
Concerns about the security of “contactless” cards were raised last month at Cartes 2007 - the world’s largest plastic card trade fair - where it was revealed that anyone with the right kind of reader, and within distance, could extract personal information from the cards.
Chris Eagle, CreditChoices.co.uk commercial manager, said: “Many people don’t read what they assume to be marketing mail from their banks, but Barclaycard customers who are concerned about these cards, or who simply don’t want one, will have to ensure that they opt out, rather than opt in, to the scheme.
“Despite the security concerns, the ‘contactless’ amount that can be spent on one of these cards is limited to £10. But that is actually how many fraudsters will be able to get away with siphoning off small amounts that people don’t notice, or don’t bother to complain about.
“If you do use one of these cards, make sure that you keep a record of how much you have spent and where, and contact your bank if you do have any problems,” he advised.
