Can in-vehicle ETC be stolen?
3 Answers
In-vehicle ETC can potentially be stolen. Here are some measures to prevent ETC theft: 1. When applying for a vehicle ETC, only apply for an ETC card, which is an IC card or magnetic card that can only be settled in ETC scenarios. This card does not have financial functions, so criminals cannot steal it. 2. Go to the bank to set a fixed limit for the ETC, not too high, so that even if it is stolen, the loss will not be too great. 3. Special card for special use. When applying for an ETC co-branded card at the bank, cancel all other financial functions of the bank card and only retain the ETC usage function. 4. To ensure the safety of cardholders and eliminate their concerns about experiencing the small-amount quick payment function, China UnionPay and various commercial banks have set up special compensation funds for cardholders and provided a 72-hour lost card protection service.
I think the risk of car ETC fraud is minimal. I've been using it for years. It primarily operates through RFID technology, but the system design incorporates multiple layers of encryption, and the signal can only be read at specific short distances. Unlike regular bank cards which are more vulnerable to remote skimming, ETC fraud would require a thief with specialized equipment to approach the vehicle while it's parked – but realistically, how many criminals have that capability? My personal habit is to always park in crowded or monitored areas, and the ETC device is firmly mounted inside the windshield, never left exposed outside. Every month, I check my statements via the mobile app for any abnormal charges, such as unexplained highway toll increases or out-of-town records. If any issues arise, both the bank and ETC service center would handle them immediately, even offering compensation. Overall, as long as you pay attention to daily details, this thing is quite safe. Don't be scared just because few people talk about it.
From my over 10 years of driving experience, the possibility of ETC fraud is almost negligible. Its working principle is based on fixed-distance wireless communication. A quick search will show you that the signal can only transmit a few dozen centimeters at most, and it has built-in protection mechanisms that ordinary devices simply can't crack. I commute by car all year round and often park in various outdoor locations, but the ETC device is always tightly attached behind the windshield, making it impossible for anyone to easily access it. I recommend car owners to regularly check their transaction records through banks or ETC service points and report any discrepancies immediately. Also, avoid leaving extra cards or valuables in the car to attract attention. Occasionally, the news mentions isolated cases, but the probability is lower than getting into a car accident, so it's not worth excessive worry. Driving is about balancing convenience and safety, and ETC is generally much more reliable. Just stay vigilant—there's no need to be overly paranoid.
