Londoners who frequently use public transport are being urged to take precautions after a Tube user discovered her bank cards had been cloned. The warning comes after Patrycja, a social media user, shared her alarming experience on TikTok, revealing how her bank details were stolen while traveling in the capital.
The Incident: Seven Suspicious Transactions
Patrycja recounted waking up one morning to find seven notifications from her bank. To her shock, four transactions had been successfully processed, while the remaining three were luckily declined. Realizing the payments were fraudulent, she immediately froze her bank account and reported the activity to her bank.
Sharing her experience on TikTok, Patrycja admitted feeling scared but expressed a desire to raise awareness among other Londoners. She described the money taken as small amounts, likely for betting, but the experience still left her shaken.
A Surprising Discovery: Card Cloning on Public Transport
When contacting her bank to report the fraud, Patrycja learned that bank cards carried in jacket pockets can be cloned by criminals using special machines. These devices can capture card details simply by being near the victim, often in crowded spaces like Tube stations or buses.
Speaking on TikTok, Patrycja said:
“If I wear my cards in my jacket pocket, then there are people who have machines who can literally stand next to you and clone your details.”
This revelation shocked her, as she typically pays with her phone rather than her card and avoids suspicious websites. The bank advised her to invest in an RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) wallet, designed to protect cards from such contactless theft.
How RFID Wallets Can Help
An RFID wallet acts as a protective shield, preventing card skimmers from accessing data through electromagnetic pulses. According to TechTarget, these wallets contain a transmitter that activates when unwanted scanning devices come near, blocking the transmission of card data.
Since being scammed, Patrycja has purchased an RFID wallet and strongly encourages other Londoners to do the same.
“Londoners, please stay safe,” she urged.
Social Media Response and Public Advice
Patrycja’s video has gone viral on TikTok, with users sharing similar experiences and advice on how to protect bank cards while using public transport. Many expressed shock and concern, commenting that they were previously unaware of this method of theft.
In a follow-up post, Patrycja reassured followers that her bank refunded the fraudulent transactions, but the incident has still left her feeling vulnerable.
“It has definitely shaken me up a little bit,” she admitted.
Police Advice: How to Stay Safe
Following the incident, Transport for London (TfL) and the Metropolitan Police have issued a scam warning, advising commuters to:
- Use RFID-blocking wallets or card sleeves.
- Avoid carrying multiple cards in easily accessible pockets.
- Be vigilant of anyone standing unusually close in crowded spaces.
- Monitor bank accounts regularly for suspicious activity.
- Report card theft or cloning to your bank and the police immediately.
Rising Threat: Contactless Card Theft
According to the UK Finance 2024 report, contactless card fraud increased by 20% last year, with criminals targeting busy public areas. Experts warn that as contactless payments become more common, so do new methods of card theft.
Public safety campaigns are urging commuters to stay alert and prepared. Anti-theft gear, including RFID wallets, is increasingly being recommended, especially for those frequently using public transport.
Protect Yourself and Stay Aware
While the London Underground remains one of the world’s most efficient transport systems, the risk of card cloning highlights the need for caution and awareness. As more people share their experiences online, it is clear that prevention is key to avoiding similar scams.
