OT : A funny thing happened at the Apple Store today........

[amk2912]

My first visit to the Apple Store in Perth today. Bought a case for the iPad and a SD/USB camera adaptor.

Anyway, at pay time the assistant pulls out this iPod-like device that swipes my VISA and processes the $89 payment. No signature or PIN required!!!!

I asked him how does he know that I'm not using a stolen VISA card. He had no idea but said they did not require a signature or PIN under $200.

Anyone encountered this before???

[RadiuM]

no signature. wtf.

I bought an iphone4 from there 3 days ago and I had to sign on his ipod touch. The touch updated my finger movements about twice per second so my signature looked like a couple of triangles pasted on top of one another and he just goes.. meh, whatever.

I should decline that transaction on my CC

[sbce90]

dont need to do anything at maccas either.

[Dackelone]

...did not require a signature or PIN under $200.

HAH!!! In the states its no signature for under $20! Maybe $20 in USd is equal to $200 Aussie D's!!!

[sparoz]

No signature required under $100 (the banks are trying to get everyone to change over).

If you look at other societies which uses cash cards instead cash, it is just a wave (not even a swipe) - very convenient. I would rather have $100 for the whole day without signature/pin rather than each transaction though.

For example the Hong Kong octopus card you will have to top up (although it's done automatically) - so the worst case scenario, is what you've lost on the card (not the bank account) - just like cash in your wallet.

[BBK]

Yeah I have changed one of my shops over to that system. Not sure if people are cool with it though... I personally would be fine using it, but some think it isn't safe.

[MrBlonde]

Tap and Go

[alik01]

That's the newest thing - apparently most places are bringing them in. One of my clients who owns a few McDonalds. The next thing is wave and pay and thing... Future's coming!

[WOPALX]

Originally Posted by RadiuM

I should decline that transaction on my CC

I declined a transaction at Woolworths a while ago, signed it Donald Duck, checkout chick did not check it

[amk2912]

There must be some form of guarantee against fraud. If my stolen card was used surely the business that processed the fraudulent transaction would be liable to reimburse the card service provider? If that's the case IMHO the business is taking a big risk. How hard is it to remember and provide a PIN???!!!

[ErvGotti]

On the electronic touch signature pads I usually leave a instead

[alik01]

I think the insurance is from VISA & MC. Don't think the business takes on that much risk. It's intention is to cut down wait times at busy places such as McDs.

[Zuzu]

We currently have a system operating in our fitness centre where the members, once they have been registered through our system, just place their thumb ( or which ever finger we initially register ) on the finger print scanner.. Thats it..

Their personal details are then displayed on our monitor and in they go...

We get paid monthly into our account by the amount of visits/scans that they make.

No membership or swipe barcode cards required..

Once they have registered in any participating business, they can use any Gym in Australia that is linked up via this wireless 3G system..

This could be the way of the future with payments made in stores with credit cards.. The bank would initially register/scan your fingerprint..
Then install scanners in the retail sores.. Who knows..

[alik01]

Zuzu, that's amazing idea for the gym. Really eradicated a lot hassles and streamlines things beautifully. Perfect solution. Got to love the future!

[amk2912]

Originally Posted by Zuzu

This could be the way of the future with payments made in stores with credit cards.. The bank would initially register/scan your fingerprint..

Until some b*stard chops your fingers off to raid your account!!

I guess one good thing about the no PIN or sign thing is the scammers who were skimming auto teller machines now don't have to plant digital cams to record you entering in your PIN - they just have to skim your card!

I'm no luddite - in fact I often pay the price for being an early adopter - but I believe every new technology will bring with it a whole array of new fraudulent activity. Sometimes keeping things simple may be a better, safer option.

[sparoz]

Actually the technology has been around for over 15 years - just the slow uptake in Australia. Interestingly though, it was trialled on the gold coast as visa cash card when it was first become popular overseas, but the uptake was very poor here. Interestingly, I thought it was actually an Australian company who developed the smartcard technology (may be Keycorp?). What's new though is combining the technology with your visa card instead of an independent card.

amk's issue would be felt by many. I think there needs to be an option for an individual to set their daily limit and transaction limits for wave and go. Also, the ability to temporary block all transaction with just a phone call, or jump on online banking would make it saver. I guess people just need to associate the technology is the same as having cash in your wallet. If someone's taking your wallet, you would have lost the cash.

[Alext]

Over the weekend I just received a new 'payWave' Visa card from the bank. It will only work with special machines.

[MrBlonde]

Originally Posted by sparoz

Actually the technology has been around for over 15 years - just the slow uptake in Australia. Interestingly though, it was trialled on the gold coast as visa cash card when it was first become popular overseas, but the uptake was very poor here. Interestingly, I thought it was actually an Australian company who developed the smartcard technology (may be Keycorp?). What's new though is combining the technology with your visa card instead of an independent card.

amk's issue would be felt by many. I think there needs to be an option for an individual to set their daily limit and transaction limits for wave and go. Also, the ability to temporary block all transaction with just a phone call, or jump on online banking would make it saver. I guess people just need to associate the technology is the same as having cash in your wallet. If someone's taking your wallet, you would have lost the cash.

Bingo, this is not a new ida, Australia has lagged behind the world on adoption (which is unusual).

[dh58]

Its not going to affect sales if they ask for a pin. It may affect checkout efficiency?

However if there is no risk to the company then why not? It will improve throughput at the checkout. And there is no affect to the sales of the business.

[MrBlonde]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

...did not require a signature or PIN under $200.

HAH!!! In the states its no signature for under $20! Maybe $20 in USd is equal to $200 Aussie D's!!!

Actually AUD $1.00 was worth USD $1.0003 yesterday. Before Christmas AUD $1.00 will be worth USD $1.10

[alik01]

With the way things are going, should trade between US$1.00 & US$1.20 for the next year or two.

[amk2912]

Originally Posted by alik01

With the way things are going, should trade between US$1.00 & US$1.20 for the next year or two.

Yes...it makes the effort of ordering tyres ex-US very compelling. Was quoted $4,000 for a set of Michelin PS2for the M3 locally!!!! I've heard of quotes in the region of $1,500 landed in Oz. That's a hell of a difference! Would be worth buying two sets.

Stuff the balance of payments deficit!