Can ETC be fraudulently charged?
3 Answers
ETC has the risk of being fraudulently charged, so it is recommended to remove the ETC card when parking to prevent fraudulent charges. Precautions for using ETC: The ETC transaction sensing range is 8 meters. When encountering a stationary vehicle ahead, to prevent the ETC device of the front vehicle from malfunctioning or not having an ETC device at all, maintain a distance of more than 10 meters from the front vehicle to avoid automatic sensing and paying for the front vehicle. The recognition speed for ETC lanes is 20km/h. If the speed is too fast, the vehicle device information cannot be read, which will also result in a failed charge. Unauthorized removal or movement of the OBU device, detachment or loosening of the ETC electronic tag, etc., will cause the electronic tag to become invalid. It can be sent to the bank where the ETC card was issued or the highway service office for inspection. If the loosening or detachment is not due to human factors, it only needs to be reactivated. When using a debit card to bind with ETC, insufficient balance will also result in a failed charge. Follow the guidance of on-site staff to use the manual MTC lane and pass by using cash or card. Poor sensing due to excessively thick car windshield. Especially for vehicles that have had accidents and had their windshields replaced, or for friends who have modified their front windshields, extra attention is needed.
I also frequently use ETC on highways and find it quite convenient, but I have concerns about security. ETC cards do carry the risk of being skimmed, although overall they are quite secure because the system uses high-strength encryption technology, with each transaction being encrypted during transmission to prevent unauthorized copying of your information. However, there have been real-life reports of people using portable POS machines to scan ETC cards near car windows and steal money, especially if your ETC is linked to a bank card function, making it susceptible to unauthorized transactions. I once had a minor scare myself—my car was parked in a public place, and later I checked my statement and found suspicious small transactions. Since then, I’ve made it a habit to remove the card from the car and keep it in my wallet when not in use, or to disable the contactless payment feature. Also, when installing ETC, be careful not to let others easily access the device, and regularly check your bank transaction records. In short, the ETC system is designed to be reliable, but users must stay vigilant about risks and develop good habits to prevent issues before they arise. Regularly updating the software is also a good practice.
As an ETC user, I find it super convenient and a great time-saver, but I do have some security concerns. ETC skimming can happen, mainly targeting ETC cards with payment functions—for example, someone using a fake device to scan your card information and steal money. I've seen news reports about skimming incidents in certain parking scenarios. However, don't worry too much; the system itself has protective layers, like encryption algorithms that can block most malicious attempts. Personally, I avoid leaving my car parked in unsafe places for long periods and remove the card when parked; I also set up a payment password or limit and install a signal-blocking shield. These small daily actions can significantly reduce risks. The convenience of ETC far outweighs the issues, and I still use it every day—the key is proactive protection. Don't let small concerns ruin the joy of driving; just contact the bank immediately if you spot any issues. Reading up on security guidelines can also be quite helpful.
