Scammers have found another way to cash in on identity theft and are using Smartphones to capture banking information through heat signatures on PIN pads.

"As technology advances, there are always new dangers to be aware of," says Sandra Crozier-McKee, president and CEO of BBB Serving Southern Alberta and East Kootenay. "Stealing banking information isn't a new scam, but the tools and technology scammers are using are new."

The Better Business Bureau says the scam works like this:

  • A portable infrared camera is purchased for about $380 and attached to an iPhone 5 or 5s just like a phone case.
  • The camera equipped phone is then held over a PIN pad after someone has used it to enter their PIN number and the infrared image displays on the phone showing which keys were pressed.

Calgary police say the scam is not yet making the rounds in Calgary but shoppers need to be aware of it.

"We've had some calls from people asking about this scam, and we've done some searching in Calgary, but so far there are no matches for these devices being used in PIN-stealing scams," said Kristie Verheul, staff sergeant of the Calgary Police Economic Crime Unit.

Authorities say the infrared iPhone camera is currently only sold in the U.S. but that won’t keep it out of Canada.

"That doesn't stop travellers or online shoppers from obtaining the equipment and possibly using it here or other places," says S/Sgt Verheul. "It's important to remember that though protecting your PIN is the single most important thing you can do, your PIN isn't valuable to scammers unless they also obtain your bank account information,"

BBB tips on how to protect you PIN:

  • After you've entered your PIN, cover the PIN pad with your fingers to leave an indecipherable heat-signature behind
  • Use cash instead of debit or credit cards for smaller purchases
  • Regularly check credit card and debit statements to spot suspicious charges quickly
  • If your PIN has been compromised or if you suspect the use of an infrared device, report it to the Calgary Police Service and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

For more information on this and other scams, visit bbb.org.

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