Can ETC Cards Be Stolen and Swiped?
2 Answers
ETC cards can be stolen and swiped, so it is recommended to remove the ETC card when parking to prevent theft. Precautions for using ETC: The ETC transaction sensing area 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 failed deductions. 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 detachment or loosening is not man-made, it only needs to be reactivated. When using a debit card to bind with ETC, insufficient balance will also result in failed deductions. Follow the guidance of on-site staff to use the manual MTC lane, passing with cash or card payment. Poor sensing due to excessively thick car windshields. Especially for vehicles that have had accidents and had their windshields replaced, or those who have modified their front windshields, need to be cautious.
As someone who has long studied automotive electronic payments, I must say ETC cards do carry certain risks of unauthorized transactions, primarily due to the inherent vulnerabilities of RFID technology. ETC cards use radio signals for close-range data exchange, meaning hackers with specialized devices can scan near car windows to read card data or even simulate transactions. I've encountered several real-world cases, such as minor fraudulent charges occurring when vehicles were targeted by illegal devices in underground parking lots – the odds aren't high but the risk exists. Personally, I immediately remove the card and store it in a metal box or specialized shielding sleeve when parked to block signals, and I've developed the habit of regularly checking ETC account transactions. While modern cards mostly feature enhanced encryption mechanisms, users shouldn't become complacent – I recommend complementing protection with dashcams to monitor surroundings for suspicious activity. Ultimately, though technological vulnerabilities are minor, proper precautions can effectively minimize hassles.
