Near Field Communication (NFC) has empowered data-based devices to communicate without human intervention. An NFC enabled android phone can transmit payment to POS in real time without consent and confirmation of the owner.
Like humans, android phones have developed emotional instincts. They communicate with nearby peers through data-based technology. A nearby device may raise a bill, and your mobile will oblige it without your knowledge. The technology is called NFC or Near Field Communication. As the name suggests, two nearby located devices communicate to settle payment (without our consent) through data transmission.
You must have seen a wi-fi symbol at debit/credit card and point of sales / POS devices. A wi-fi symbol based debit/card doesn’t require to be swiped at POS for making payment. This is because of Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. Your card and POS, both are using NFC to communicate. Mind it. NFC enabled card doesn’t require OTP for authentication. Take a scenario, where your card is placed near some POS and it’s debited without your knowledge. Since most of the POS are NFC enabled in a shopping complex, it will be difficult to detect as to which POS your mobile became friendly with.
Card is one thing, but the mobile is another. Most of the android phones are NFC enabled. To check NFC capability of your mobile, go to settings and search NFC. You will find a tab. Enable it. Then go to any wallet, say Paytm. Go to payment setting. Click on Tap to Pay. Add your NFC enabled debit /credit card for payment. Save the card details and make it default payment instrument. Now, your android phone has converted into a debit/credit card. Just put your mobile near to the POS and the amount will be deducted without any OTP or PIN. How much amount? It depends on your bank and card. SBI has daily cap of Rs 25000 through NFC. Besides this, there is a cap of Rs 5000 on NFC based single transaction.
You must be wondering, what is the definition of ‘Near’ in Near Field Communication (NFC). ‘Near’ means 0 to 20 centimeters. Any NFC enabled mobile in the range of 20 centimeter will be vulnerable for transaction at POS. The NFC works at 13.56 MHz frequency, the same frequency at which RFID tag works. This makes NFC prone to be hacked by cyberthieves at RFID enabled toll plazas.
