People are being warned to watch out for digital pick-pocketers this Christmas.
It comes as criminals carrying contactless payment machines are reportedly targeting people on nights out.
Newstalk Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly told Breakfast how it all works.
"If you have been to any of the Christmas markets around town, you might have seen people now using small, contactless payment machines," she said.
An example of a contactless payment terminal. Picture by: Orpheus Imaging/Alamy Stock Photo"So, the retailer has a wireless payment machine that you can tap your card on.
"Unfortunately, there are bad guys now using these machines.
"Reportedly, in Cork, there's one example that we've heard of.
"Going into Cork with one of these wireless, contactless machines [and] standing next to people who are ordering drinks at the bar with their cards in their pocket and taking small sums of money off their cards."
Small amounts
Jess said the pick-pocketers usually take smaller amounts, so people might not query it straight away.
"These criminals tend to be quite savvy; so, they'll take between €5 to €30 - a small enough amount," she said.
"They tend to do these in small bursts for a week or so, and then they'll take money from these different people.
"All small amounts, but it all adds up".
What to do
She said you can buy a metal wallet to protect your cards, or some cheaper alternatives.
"You can line your wallet with tinfoil, not the most glamorous or practical solution [but] they can't tap," she said.
"My solution is I use Apple Pay on my phone - or if you've an Android phone use Google Pay - that needs your face ID to be activated.
"The other thing is look out for notifications; if your bank has an app make sure the app is on your phone [and] enable the notifications every time a payment is made.
"If a random little payment pops up and you don't recognise it go to the Guards.
"People aren't going to the Guards because it's for €5 or €10, but this is still a crime," she added.
