DOUBLE TROUBLE
Shoppers warned to beware of thieves as contactless spending limit rises to £100
A RETAIL crime expert has warned shoppers of a potential spike in bag snatching in the run-up to Christmas after contactless spending limits rose to £100 yesterday.
Customers can now spend more than double what they could previously without entering their PIN, following an increase in their popularity which saw the maximum spend rise from £45.
But the move – aimed at making purchases more convenient – has sparked fears over an increased risk of crime.
Maxine Fraser, managing director of Retailers Against Crime Scotland, said she was “surprised” at the steep rise and warned consumers to be extra vigilant.
She said: “I understood when they raised the amount previously due to Covid-19.
“But I was surprised to hear of the contactless limit being increased to £100. It may well encourage more bag and wallet thefts and we would warn the general public to be aware of that and make sure they’re looking after their personal belongings.
“It’s coming up to the festive season so take care when you’re out. Make sure your bag is zipped and your wallet isn’t in your back pocket where it’s easily accessible.”
Contactless transactions accounted for 6.6billion card payments – 60 per cent of the total – in the UK between January and July, according to trade association UK finance. Yesterday’s maximum spend rise is the fifth time the limit has gone up after it was initially set at £10 in 2007.
But Age UK has warned raising the limit could increase the potential for fraud, putting some older people off using bank cards to pay for goods and services.
And money expert Martin Lewis said there should be an instant fix for customers to set limits through online banking and apps.
Fraser added: “Card fraud is a lot more difficult in general nowadays but with contactless it makes it so much easier – £100 isn’t really petty theft, it’s quite a lot.
“I would definitely advise people to seek advice from their banks and see what kind of safeguards there are if you’re concerned.”