3 ms·

I'm surprised there haven't been cases where criminals just mount two cameras with zoom lenses so that they capture both sides of the card as it enters the read

I'm surprised there haven't been cases where criminals just mount two cameras with zoom lenses so that they capture both sides of the card as it enters the reader. You'd be able to reconstruct the number, the name and the 3 digit security code. Sure, you're not going to get 100% of the cards due to people blocking the cameras, but you also don't need to mount anything to the actual pump and can better avoid getting caught.

fortran77 7y ago
For things that are moving, you'll need a camera with a high framerate so you don't get a blur. We have cameras to do automatic licence plate reading of all the cars that come on our property and they were expensive (> $1500 + lens) and large-ish.
- simonlc 7y ago
  High frame rate is good, but to not get blur you just need a high shutter speed. Most digital cameras can do this easily. But simply having a high shutter speed isn't enough, as if it's fast enough no light will get it to get a proper exposure. That's why you'll need a supplemental light source, like infrared or a flash, a large aperture (aka large lens elements), or a lot of gain (ISO). It's really a balancing act between the three. The more zoomed the lens, the bigger the lens elements need to be to maintain the same aperture ratio. That's why a 600mm f4 is absolutely massive compared to a 50mm f4 lens. For something like this application though, the quality of the sensor doesn't need to be too high, you don't really that high of a shutter speed, nor do you need to worry about image noise. There's always light on at the pump, so you can easily calibrate for night time, if needed just bring a light meter (or use an app) to the spot at night and check.
Nextgrid 7y ago
Details printed on the card aren't enough to reconstruct the contents of the magstripe needed to do card-present transactions (and those are preferred as online transactions are subject to extra checks like 3D Secure and address verification). If you only want card details for online/card-not-present transactions then getting them via malware is easier and even less risk of getting caught.

fortran77 7y ago

For things that are moving, you'll need a camera with a high framerate so you don't get a blur. We have cameras to do automatic licence plate reading of all the cars that come on our property and they were expensive (> $1500 + lens) and large-ish.

simonlc 7y ago
High frame rate is good, but to not get blur you just need a high shutter speed. Most digital cameras can do this easily. But simply having a high shutter speed isn't enough, as if it's fast enough no light will get it to get a proper exposure. That's why you'll need a supplemental light source, like infrared or a flash, a large aperture (aka large lens elements), or a lot of gain (ISO). It's really a balancing act between the three. The more zoomed the lens, the bigger the lens elements need to be to maintain the same aperture ratio. That's why a 600mm f4 is absolutely massive compared to a 50mm f4 lens. For something like this application though, the quality of the sensor doesn't need to be too high, you don't really that high of a shutter speed, nor do you need to worry about image noise. There's always light on at the pump, so you can easily calibrate for night time, if needed just bring a light meter (or use an app) to the spot at night and check.

Nextgrid 7y ago

Details printed on the card aren't enough to reconstruct the contents of the magstripe needed to do card-present transactions (and those are preferred as online transactions are subject to extra checks like 3D Secure and address verification). If you only want card details for online/card-not-present transactions then getting them via malware is easier and even less risk of getting caught.