Can ETC cards still be stolen and swiped?
5 Answers
It can be stolen. ETC is a non-stop electronic toll collection system, and the ETC dedicated lane is for vehicles equipped with ETC on-board devices, using electronic toll collection methods. There are mainly three types of ETC cards: 1. Stored-value card, which requires pre-loading before use. This type of card is not bound to a bank card, and users can only use it after loading money into the card. Therefore, it does not have the flash payment function for cash payment and deduction, and cannot be recognized or stolen by POS devices. 2. Debit card, including corporate debit cards and bank debit cards. Corporate debit cards are electronic payment cards for highways issued by provincial network companies to corporate users, with one account corresponding to multiple cards and vehicles, allowing transfer and recharge, consolidated invoice printing, and reducing corporate vehicle management costs. Bank debit cards are electronic payment cards for highways jointly issued by provincial network companies and partner banks, bound to designated bank cards or accounts, and can be used without recharge. 3. Bank co-branded card, which allows spending before repayment and combines financial functions with highway electronic payment, usable without recharge, featuring dual-card integration. This type of ETC bank co-branded card is essentially a bank card with flash payment function, as it has and activates the small-amount password-free and signature-free function. When this card is inserted into the vehicle ETC device, if it encounters a POS device that supports flash payment, there is indeed a possibility of being stolen.
As a long-time driving enthusiast, I'm well aware of the security issues with ETC cards. In the early days, these cards were indeed prone to theft because they relied on wireless signals, and malicious devices could remotely read information. However, in recent years, the system has been upgraded with encryption technology. China's ETC uses high-frequency encrypted chips, greatly reducing the chances of illegal duplication. I usually check my bills to ensure the toll records are correct; when parking, I remove the card or put it in a protective sleeve to avoid leaving it on the windshield. Overall, the risk is very low, as long as you don't park in unfamiliar places. The benefit is that ETC saves time and effort, allowing you to pass through toll stations in seconds. I recommend linking it to mobile notifications so you can immediately address any suspicious transactions. With heightened security awareness, using it becomes more reassuring.
I've been using ETC for so many years and never encountered any theft issues. A friend of mine once complained about being overcharged, but it turned out to be a misoperation, not theft. The system is much safer now, with the chip embedded in the device, requiring close proximity to the car to read. I think the key is to develop good habits: don’t leave the card exposed after getting out of the car, especially at night in remote parking lots. Also, choose official partner banks to apply for the card—their backend monitoring is strict, and they refund immediately if there’s an issue. The probability of theft is small, but don’t be careless. ETC is truly a driving lifesaver, saving the hassle of queuing. Just remember to check your app statements regularly to ensure everything is normal.
ETC cards can theoretically be stolen, but real-world cases are rare. I've analyzed the data: China's ETC system employs encryption protocols, such as dynamic key exchange, making illegal duplication nearly impossible. However, users should be aware of risk points, like leaving cards in public places where they could be scanned at close range. Prevention is simple: purchase an anti-interference card sleeve for about 20 yuan; store the card in the center console when parked. The system also automatically monitors abnormal transactions and proactively alerts authorities if issues arise. Overall, the security level is high, and theft incidents are uncommon. There's no need for excessive worry when using it—enjoying convenient passage is the primary value.
Looking back at the development of ETC, fraud was once a hot issue. Several years ago, there were reports of cases abroad, but China has upgraded its anti-counterfeiting technology, making similar incidents rare. I've been using the card for five years without any issues. Data shows the fraud rate is only about 0.1%, mostly caused by user negligence. Suggestions: choose a branded protective cover to reduce signal leakage; maintain a safe distance from other vehicles when entering or exiting toll stations to avoid interference. ETC is not only efficient but also fuel-saving. For every long-distance trip, I trust it completely—just ensure proper safety precautions are in place.
