Interac without PIN?

[Rathji]

Went to McDonalds to get some breakfast today and the girl at the window took the card, brought it inside with her and closed the window. I was kind of shocked that she had grabbed it, rather than hand me the machine to us my card with, so I got her attention and tell her to give my card back. She did, and gave me a receipt with it.

Of course, I never entered my PIN, and the people at both windows assure me nothing is wrong and there is just a new Interact system, as we drive away.

Anyway, so I am trying to get a hold of McDs to figure out why with this system are they taking my card, since I have no way of knowing how many times they charged something to it, and for all I know I just brought them all breakfast.

My main question to CP is this: What kind of system is this, is it something my bank has set up and I didn't notice? Can I get it turned off, since the idea of someone charging my account without a PIN is not acceptable to me?

[Otto-matic]

Originally Posted by Rathji

Went to McDonalds to get some breakfast today and the girl at the window took the card, brought it inside with her and closed the window. I was kind of shocked that she had grabbed it, rather than hand me the machine to us my card with, so I got her attention and tell her to give my card back. She did, and gave me a receipt with it.

Of course, I never entered my PIN, and the people at both windows assure me nothing is wrong and there is just a new Interact system, as we drive away.

Anyway, so I am trying to get a hold of McDs to figure out why with this system are they taking my card, since I have no way of knowing how many times they charged something to it, and for all I know I just brought them all breakfast.

My main question to CP is this: What kind of system is this, is it something my bank has set up and I didn't notice? Can I get it turned off, since the idea of someone charging my account without a PIN is not acceptable to me?

Seems fishy,

I have not heard a single thing about transactions without using your PIN. Im curious to find out if its a new feature for purchases under 10$ that don't require PINS. You would think the bank would let you know if they did indeed make this a feature.

[Rathji]

Purchase was about $12.50, plus GST.

You might be onto something though, since I know some places you don't need to sign for credit card payment if the transaction is less than $20

[Tyler]

It's called Interac Flash:

http://www.interac.ca/index.php/en/i...-for-consumers

Most relatively new debit cards have it

[Otto-matic]

Originally Posted by Tyler

It's called Interac Flash:

http://www.interac.ca/index.php/en/i...-for-consumers

Most relatively new debit cards have it

Not really a fan of that

[Tyler]

I think it's awesome. Especially for a younger generation (like me) who never carries cash but hates putting in their pin for every $5 purchase.

You can always disable it by calling your bank or just putting your limit to $1 or something.

Wish it was at more locations.

[LockedOut]

Sounds similar to PayPass on Mastercard where you tap the card on a device and your done. It has safeguards so you don't get dinged twice on the same purchase by accident.

[Locke]

Doesnt that defeat the whole point?

[GoinAllTheWay]

That's freakin weird man, I would have been equally as shocked if they just took my debit card too. I guess it's a decent idea but hadn't heard of it until this thread.

[Fire]

I don't understand why all this tapping/contactless transactions are allowed. We went to Chip and Pin so people had to enter their pin number but now all the criminals have to do is steal your card and tap away. Though I think the merchant takes the liability for any fraudulent tap transactions it is still unnecessary risk.

[Dion]

Not a fan of this. Nor am I a fan of retailers that haven't upgraded thier CC machines so I can use my pin number. Never had to use my pin number when using my Credt Card in Hawaii the past 2 weeks.

[FurnaceFace]

http://www.interac.ca/index.php/en/i...-for-consumers

Interac Flash is built with security in mind

Several safeguards provide you with personal protection when using Interac Flash:

Interac Flash uses chip technology.
Exclusive functionality and security unique to Interac Flash protect every transaction.
The Interac Zero Liability Policy protects you from unauthorized transactions*.
Spending limits provide an added layer of protection by occasionally prompting you to enter your PIN when your limit is reached. This will validate that you as the legitimate cardholder.

[photon]

Originally Posted by Fire

I don't understand why all this tapping/contactless transactions are allowed. We went to Chip and Pin so people had to enter their pin number but now all the criminals have to do is steal your card and tap away. Though I think the merchant takes the liability for any fraudulent tap transactions it is still unnecessary risk.

There's no difference between that and your credit card, if they take your card they can use it as much as they want until it gets cancelled.

The Interac Flash has a per-transaction limit which also limits risk.

Phones with NFC can do this as well.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Originally Posted by photon

There's no difference between that and your credit card, if they take your card they can use it as much as they want until it gets cancelled.

The vast majority of Credit cards have chips that's require pins now though.

[DownhillGoat]

I have no useful input. However the thread title needs to be changed.

[Hemi-Cuda]

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

The vast majority of Credit cards have chips that's require pins now though.

still plenty of areas that don't have machines that accept the pins, nevermind online shopping

[oilyfan]

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

The vast majority of Credit cards have chips that's require pins now though.

And a lot of credit cards now have to ability to tap and pay too, without entering a pin

[Smartcar]

Its a great idea since people use cards for teeny transactions these days. Speeds up the line for fast food, coffee, etc.

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by Dion

Not a fan of this. Nor am I a fan of retailers that haven't upgraded thier CC machines so I can use my pin number. Never had to use my pin number when using my Credt Card in Hawaii the past 2 weeks.

I'm a merchant with a point of sale machine that you have to insert your card then enter your pin. If you forget your pin, however, I just have to punch in your card number manually and it works just as well. That's how I take orders over the phone or my website, too. Pins are jokes and a waste of time... I'm going to ask my provider about this tap thing as it sounds way better.

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by Tyler

I think it's awesome. Especially for a younger generation (like me) who never carries cash but hates putting in their pin for every $5 purchase.

No offence, but how freaking sad is the 'younger generation' if inputting a four digit code is such a burden on you?

That said, I find it amusing and ridiculous that so soon after rolling out chip and pin technology to increase secuirty on cards, they follow it up with a system that defeats security entirely. Even if it is limited to relatively small transaction amounts.