In Brief (TL;DR)
Cloning a contactless card to make fraudulent payments is an almost non-existent risk, thanks to advanced encryption systems and security codes that change with every transaction.
This is because every transaction generates a unique and unrepeatable security code, making cloning for fraudulent payments a technically almost impossible feat.
Thanks to advanced encryption and dynamic security codes, which change with every transaction, any intercepted data would be unusable for making new payments.
The devil is in the details. 👇 Keep reading to discover the critical steps and practical tips to avoid mistakes.
In the digital age, where a simple gesture bridges worlds, contactless payments have become the norm. In Italy, as in the rest of Europe, the convenience of “tap & go” has won over consumers of all ages, transforming how we handle daily transactions. However, this fusion of innovation and tradition raises a crucial question: is cloning a contactless card a concrete risk? The answer, rooted in the technology enabling these payments, is more complex than a simple yes or no. Although cloning is technically possible, modern security measures make it extremely difficult for malicious actors to successfully carry out fraud.
Growing confidence in contactless payments is supported by concrete data. According to the Innovative Payments Observatory of the Polytechnic University of Milan, in 2023 in Italy, about eight out of ten purchases were made via contactless mode, for a total value of 240 billion euros. This figure highlights not only the widespread adoption of the technology but also the widespread perception of security and practicality. However, it is precisely this popularity that makes it fundamental to understand the protection mechanisms at play and the potential, albeit remote, risk scenarios, in order to use these tools with full awareness and peace of mind.
How Contactless Technology Works
At the heart of contactless payments are two short-range wireless communication technologies: **NFC (Near Field Communication)** and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification). NFC technology, an evolution of RFID, allows two devices, such as a card and a payment terminal (POS), to exchange data when they are a few centimeters apart. During a transaction, the EMV chip (acronym for Europay, MasterCard, and Visa) integrated into the card generates a unique and temporary code to authorize that specific operation. This code, known as a cryptogram, is the key to security: even if a malicious actor managed to intercept it, it would be useless for future transactions, making traditional cloning almost impossible.
This security architecture is designed to be robust and reliable. Unlike old magnetic stripe cards, whose data was static and easy to copy, the EMV chip introduces a dynamic element. Every time a payment is made, sensitive data is encrypted, transforming it into a format unreadable to anyone without the correct decryption key. This process of tokenization and encryption is the pillar protecting financial information, ensuring that even in the event of data interception, it cannot be reused for fraudulent purposes.
The Theoretical Risks of Cloning
Despite sophisticated security measures, the possibility of cloning a contactless card, although remote, exists in theory. The main attack technique is known as skimming, which consists of stealing card data from a distance using an illegal RFID/NFC reader, called a skimmer. A scammer could, for example, hide a device in a crowded place and attempt to read cards located nearby. However, this type of attack presents significant practical difficulties. The reading distance is limited to a few centimeters, and even if basic card data (number and expiration date) were acquired, the fundamental element would be missing: the dynamic security code generated by the EMV chip for each individual transaction.
Without this code, stolen data is insufficient to authorize a payment at a physical terminal. Criminals might attempt to use the information for online purchases, where in some cases Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) is not required. However, even in this scenario, most transactions require the CVV (Card Verification Value) code, which is not transmitted during an NFC reading. Consequently, contactless cloning to perform fraudulent payments is a complex undertaking with a low success rate, very different from cloning old magnetic stripe cards.
The Remote Skimming Scenario
The collective imagination, sometimes fueled by alarmist news, paints scenarios where a malicious actor can empty an account simply by brushing a mobile POS against a bag or wallet. Although it is technically possible for a fraudulent POS to initiate a very low-value transaction (below the threshold requiring a PIN), this type of fraud is extremely rare and easily traceable. Every payment terminal is registered and linked to a bank account, making the perpetrator of the scam easily identifiable. Furthermore, the presence of multiple contactless cards in the same wallet can create interference, preventing the reader from completing the transaction.
Security Barriers Protecting Consumers
The European digital payment system is protected by multiple layers of security designed to safeguard consumers. The first and most important is the EMV standard, which, as seen, uses unique transaction codes to prevent cloning fraud. Added to this is the European PSD2 (Payment Services Directive 2) directive, which introduced stricter security requirements, such as Strong Customer Authentication (SCA). SCA requires at least two authentication factors (something you know, like a password; something you possess, like a smartphone; or something you are, like a fingerprint) for most electronic transactions, significantly increasing protection.
The Role of Dynamic CVV
A further innovation strengthening security, especially for online purchases, is the dynamic CVV. Unlike the static CVV printed on the back of the card, the dynamic one is generated via the banking app and is valid for a few minutes. This technology effectively renders any stolen card data useless, as the security code needed to complete the purchase changes continuously. Banks like BBVA have already implemented this solution, offering a superior level of protection against online fraud. The large-scale adoption of these technologies represents a fundamental step in making digital payments even safer.
What to Do in Case of Suspicious Transactions
Vigilance is the first tool of defense. It is fundamental to regularly check your bank statement and activate SMS or app notifications for every transaction. In case of unrecognized charges, it is essential to immediately contact your bank to block the card and disavow the fraudulent operations. European and Italian regulations offer high protection to consumers, providing the right to reimbursement for unauthorized operations, provided there has been no gross negligence on the part of the cardholder. Promptly reporting the incident to the competent authorities is another crucial step to combat the phenomenon and contribute to collective security.
Myths to Debunk and Best Practices
Many false myths exist about contactless cloning. One of the most widespread is that it is sufficient to pass near someone with a POS to steal large sums. In reality, for amounts exceeding 50 euros, entering the PIN is almost always required, even for contactless payments. Another myth concerns the absolute effectiveness of shielded wallets (blocking wallets). Although they can offer an additional layer of protection, true security lies in the cryptographic technology of the card itself. The best defense is a combination of awareness and good habits: never lose sight of your card during payments, always verify the amount on the POS display, and use digital wallets on smartphones, which add an extra layer of biometric security.
Conclusions
In conclusion, cloning a contactless card, in the traditional sense of the term, is a highly unlikely event thanks to advanced technologies like the EMV chip and dynamic code encryption. Although skimming techniques theoretically capable of capturing some data exist, these are insufficient to complete fraudulent transactions in most cases. The European regulatory context, with the PSD2 directive, has further raised security barriers, making digital payments in Italy and Europe among the safest in the world. Rather than fearing “on-the-fly” cloning, the real risk lies in more traditional practices like phishing or physical skimming at tampered ATMs. By adopting simple precautions, such as activating notifications and periodically checking movements, and taking advantage of innovations like secure wallets, it is possible to enjoy the convenience of contactless payments with maximum peace of mind, in a perfect balance between tradition and innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cloning a contactless card is extremely difficult, almost impossible with current technologies. Every transaction generates a unique security code valid only for that operation. Even if a malicious actor managed to intercept transaction data, it would be unusable for future payments, effectively making cloning ineffective.
This scenario, known as remote skimming, is very unlikely. The NFC (Near Field Communication) technology of contactless cards works only at a minimum distance, usually less than 4 centimeters. Furthermore, European regulations (PSD2) impose spending limits (usually 50 euros per single operation) and a maximum number of consecutive payments without a PIN. Once these thresholds are exceeded, strong authentication is required, such as entering the PIN, effectively blocking serial theft attempts.
Security is based on multiple levels. The main one is the EMV standard, a microchip that creates a unique encrypted code for every purchase. Added to this is tokenization, which replaces the real card number with a «disposable» code (token). Finally, many banks offer dynamic CVVs, security codes that change with every operation and are visible only via the bank app, adding a further layer of protection.
Yes, smartphone payments are generally considered even safer. They use the same technology as the card (NFC, tokenization) but add a biometric security level: to authorize the payment, facial recognition or a fingerprint is necessary. This means that even if someone stole your phone, they could not make payments without your authentication.
It is fundamental to act promptly. The first thing to do is to block the card immediately. You can do this via the mobile banking app, your bank website, or by calling the dedicated toll-free number, active 24 hours a day. Subsequently, contact your bank to report any unauthorized operations and start the reimbursement procedure, as provided by consumer protection regulations.
Sources and Further Reading
Did you find this article helpful? Is there another topic you'd like to see me cover?
Write it in the comments below! I take inspiration directly from your suggestions.