PIN-free card 'will make elder abuse easier' say pensioner groups
BANKS have made elder abuse easier by introducing PIN and signature-free credit card schemes across Australia, say pensioner groups.
A new contactless credit payment requires customers only to swipe their card to complete a purchase of up to $100, while major stores, such as Coles, allow PIN-free transactions of up to $35.
Banks have not given customers a choice to opt-in or opt-out of the schemes, for both credit and debit cards.
National Seniors Australia CEO Michael O'Neill said banks have ignored their most vulnerable customers.
He said PIN and signature-free transactions would make it easier for the elderly to be defrauded, because cards could be used and replaced without the owner knowing.
"We are already well aware of an increase of elder abuse in the community and the misuse of their money," Mr O'Neill told AAP.
"Beyond the physical proving of fraud, it's the emotional and mental stress and strain of having to go through that exercise.
"We have grave concerns about it being misused in that way and there's been no consultation with us at all."
Older People Speak Out president Val French said the schemes were poorly promoted and many elderly might not even realise their credit or debit cards could be used without requiring a PIN.
"That's ridiculous you can't opt out," Ms French told AAP.
"It's a situation that has been set-up to benefit the banks and retailers without any thought of the consequences for people not in a position to protect themselves."
Commonwealth Bank cards general manager David Lindberg told AAP the bank had been issuing credit cards with contactless technology since 2006.
He said there were more than five million in circulation and that customers saved up to 30 seconds at the check-out counter by not using a PIN.
"We don't see any reason why they should opt out," Mr Lindberg said.
Mr Lindberg said the $100 limit was based around the price of a tank of petrol as it was being widely embraced by service stations.
But Choice magazine spokeswoman Ingrid Just says there are consumer concerns and is critical of the lack of education and promotion of the scheme.
"The one concern with the $35 limit is there hasn't been enough communication between the retailer or the card provider and people who want to opt out can't," Ms Just told AAP.
"It is a concern when people aren't given the option."
MasterCard country manager Andrew Cartwright said contactless transactions were first trialled in McDonald's stores in Florida in 2002.
