Monday, November 16, 2009

Skimming Becoming Popular Crime

BankInfoSecurity.com is running an interesting article on the subject of an ATM Skimming crimewave that is sweeping the nation.



Tenn. Incidents Part of Growing International Wave



ATM Fraud: New Skimming Scheme Hits BanksA series of skimming crimes that hit the Nashville, TN area recently is but one of many ATM fraud schemes preying upon financial institutions and their customers.



Nashville police reported last week that they were investigating an ATM card skimming scheme where at least 600 individuals were potential victims. Investigators say five Bank of America ATMs were hit, as well as an unknown number of US Bank machines. A total of 60 people had fraudulent withdrawals from their accounts for anywhere between $100 to $5,000 dollars. Investigators suspect that the skimming schemers have now moved on to other cities.



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Total Cost of Fraud from Visa Europe









Here's a new report on Payments Fraud, sponsored by Visa, including data on "Card Not Present Fraud" (Online Fraud) in four European Markets.  Included is an illustration taken from the report which itemizes "French Fraud."   Online payments certainly seem to be the focal point of the bad guys. And will continue to be until we stop typing and start swiping.  From the brochure of the report:

"They say the devil has the best tunes. Certainly fraud is one of the most fascinating aspects of our industry, not least because it is relentless and mutating.



While overall, this comparison between card fraud losses and types in the Spanish, French, British and Dutch markets suggests that fraud losses are being contained as a proportion of card turnover, there is no room for complacency.





EMV implementation has done much to reduce domestic losses from lost and stolen cards, but they still amount to €85.3 million and £54.1 million in France and the UK respectively, for instance, indicating that much remains to be done.

Likewise international fraud is smaller in scale than domestic card abuse, but is proportionately far more common – by up to 30 times higher than in Spain at the top end of the range. And of course international transactions are growing all the time.

Thirdly we tend to overlook the true cost to the industry – see page 17 of the Fraud Supplement for something to hum about.

Examines the overall level of losses, including the variations between the countries profiled.



Method of compromise
Draws on French and UK data to analyse losses by method of compromise, that is the sources of fraudulently used cards.


Geographic place of misuse

Analysis losses by geographic place of misuse (domestic vs international).


Type of misuse

Analysis losses by type of fraudulent transaction (purchases vs cash withdrawals, face-to-face vs CNP purchases).


Linking method of compromise to place of misuse

Draws on the French data to bring together the analysis of losses by method of compromise with the analysis by place and type of misuse.


Concluding comments



Total cost of fraud from Visa Europe



Appendix: Note on sources and statistics




Download the Fraud Supplement



Sponsored by VISA





VerifySmart's Press Release on "The Request"



VerifySmart Receives Request from One of UK's Largest Banks; For Zero-Loss Solution to Credit/Debit and Transaction Fraud Crisis





Nov. 16, 2009 (PR Newswire) -- TAGUIG, Metro Manila, Philippines, Nov. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - VerifySmart (TM) Corp. (VSMR: OTCBB): ("VerifySmart" or the "Company"), a global leader in secure and fraud free credit and debit payment processing services, has received a Solutions Request (the "Request") from one of the UK's largest and most trusted banking institutions (the "UK Bank"). The Request encompasses all aspects of the UK Bank's operations globally, and includes the potential introduction of a fraud-free co-branded debit/credit/money transfer card.



The UK Bank has operations in 57 countries, is a major credit and debit card issuer and provides financial services to a vast range of individual, enterprise, multinational, investment banking and asset management clients globally.



"We received the Request with a large measure of pride," says VerifySmart Honorary Chairman, Adi Muljo. "For us it validates our technologies and the confidence we have in their relevance to safeguarding the global financial community and reducing or eliminating credit/debit card and online transaction fraud loss."



VerifySmart executives and developers are working together with the UK Bank's security and card services divisions to better understand the intricacies of its business and how best to propose integration of all VerifySmart core technologies. The next steps would be the development of a beta testing phase whereby a number of VerifySmart applications would be used in a controlled test market(s) environment to measure security and fraud loss efficacy.



"Given the size of the UK Bank's operations globally, it is difficult to know how long this initial phase will take," continues Muljo, but we do know with certainty is that our technologies have captured the attention of one of the most respected and venerable financial institutions in the world. We are therefore proceeding methodically and with all due diligence to exploit this opportunity to the mutual benefit of our potential UK-based partner and of our shareholders."

Understanding the Credit/Debit Card and Transaction Fraud Loss

Opportunity







Addressing credit/debit card and online transaction fraud loss is one of the most important issues facing industrialized and developing nations today. The fraud loss numbers, threat to economic security, and acceleration of piracy sophistication are so great that, current and projected loss statistics are difficult to access. It is reported that identity theft and credit card fraud are the fastest-growing categories of US Federal Trade Commission complaints, and that the cost of credit card fraud in the United States is estimated to be US$50 million a day -- a staggering US$18.25 billion a year. In Canada, card fraud costs exceed CAD$8 million per day or $2.9 billion per year.



Currently, the accepted credit/debit card and online transaction fraud detection and prevention solution is the so-called 'Chip and PIN' ("C&P") which originated in the UK in 2004. C&P launched in parts of North America in 2008, but, in spite of high capital costs to implement and high expectations from financial institutions, merchants and consumers, the results have been disappointing at all levels. In 2008 APACS (Association of Payment Clearing Services) reported card-only fraud losses as a percentage of card turnover amounted to 0.12%. Prior to the introduction of C&P, this same statistic was 0.14% -- a mere 0.02% reduction in losses weighed against tens of millions in implementation costs.



VerifySmart's fraud prevention and detection solutions, while impenetrable, are unique in their brevity, design, execution, and cross-platform compatibility. At the heart of the Company's suite of applications, and their PCT approved pending patents, is engagement of simple SMS (text message) transactions. SMS-enabled mobile devices/cell phones are widely adopted and are growing in popularity. Currently, more than 4.1 billion mobile devices are in use worldwide. A statistic that, together with VerifySmart's alliance with iMobile Interactive, immediately connects the fraud loss problem with the VerifySmart solution in every at-risk country in the world. The 'SMS-enabled transaction' as it applies to debit/credit card fraud prevention and detection, was conceived by VerifySmart and is protected globally by PCT approvals and pending patents.



VerifySmart's credit/debit card and online transaction fraud prevention and detection technologies meet the needs of a security challenged transaction processing industry. During alpha and beta testing of VerifySmart technologies, fraud loss costs were reduced to zero.



The UK is one of the fastest-growing traditional and e-commerce markets in the world, and has an extraordinarily high mobile device subscription rate. A September 2009 study released by the global market research firm Synovate reported that of 8,000 urban mobile phone owners surveyed in 11 countries, Brits were most likely to own a smartphone (21%), and further that "As the mobile becomes more of an all-in-one device, many other businesses are facing challenging times. However, the opportunities for mobile manufacturers and networks are enormous" -- Garton, Global Head of Media. While VerifySmart recognizes the challenges, its sees in them an enormous opportunity to partner with networks and financial institutions to provide a monetizable catalyst for change.



About VerifySmart



VerifySmart (TM) Corp designed and developed a Proprietary Hardware/Software Solution that solves Credit/Debit Card fraud by using two Factor Authentication. The Company's Core Technology is designed to meet the needs of the Security challenged Trans action Processing Industry. Present day solutions, such as Verified by Visa, Chip and Pin and CVV Code (all which can be compromised) have not reduced payment card fraud by any significant factor. The VerifySmart solution has reduced fraud to zero in initial production pilots. the Company's proven and highly scalable solution is gaining worldwide attention and placing VerifySmart at the forefront of the fraud prevention revolution.



Details of this and other corporate developments will be released as news develops.



SOURCE VerifySmart Corp.

Card Fraud's Devastating Ramifications

BAI RD: MagTek event underscores critical card-fraud issues



By Caroline Cooper contributing editor



• 16 Nov 2009



During last week's BAI Retail Delivery conference, card-security solutions provider MagTek treated select attendees to a poignant presentation about the risks of credit card fraud, a growing and worldwide issue. Given by Tom Patterson, MagTek's chief security officer, and Dr. Chris Corpora, a senior FBI advisor who specializes in cyber and international crime, the presentation touched on card fraud's devastating ramifications, the extent of which few fully understand, the speakers say.



"You may think it's just the money, but you'll find out very quickly it's not," Patterson said of the $4 billion card fraud business.
 
The two speakers first demonstrated to the audience how easily the typical consumer's credit card might be compromised. Patterson showed the group an example of a small card skimmer, the type a restaurant server or retail cashier might use, and he spoke about how easy they are to obtain.






story continues here...

Aite Group Report: Merchant Acquiring in 2010





















A New Report From Aite Group

Merchant Acquiring in 2010: A Preview

While merchant acquirers have hope for 2010, they face increasing challenges in the form of attrition, margin compression and PCI mandates.



Boston, MA, November 16, 2009 – A new report from Aite Group, LLC examines the top priorities and challenges for merchant acquirers in 2010 and identifies markets that merchant acquirers see as emerging opportunities. Based on Aite Group's survey of 45 ISOs and merchant acquirers, the report also discusses how acquirers are balancing the needs of merchants with their own capabilities. Finally, it provides a look at the direction merchant acquiring will be headed in 2010, including likely industry-changing events on the horizon.



Merchant acquiring is looking toward 2010 with the hope that it will be a better year than 2009. ISOs and acquirers alike are looking to emerging markets, such as the mobile/wireless channel, to help them bounce back from the previous year and its sluggish processing volumes. Despite these hopes, merchant acquirers face increasing challenges in the forms of attrition, margin compression and PCI mandates that need to be enforced throughout all levels of merchants. Merchant satisfaction will be an important area of focus, and ISOs and acquirers need to concentrate on deepening their relationships with merchants, protecting their own reputations, and cultivating referral business.

"It is vital for ISOs and acquirers to realize that almost one-third of all merchants signed in the United States come from referrals," says Adil Moussa, analyst with Aite Group and author of this report. "This is of course means that ISOs and acquirers never have an opportunity to bid for a large percentage of the business out there. Because of this, providing top-notch service to existing clients doesn't only help retain clients, but win new business."

This 31-page Impact Report contains 17 figures. Clients of Aite Group's Retail Banking service can download the report by clicking on the icon to the right.



Related Aite Group Research:



To purchase this report or

for additional information,

please contact:

Aite Group Sales

Tel: +1.617.338.6050

sales@aitegroup.com

ICC-Cal Could Lose License to Clear International Payments



Local Visa firm ICC-Cal could lose license to clear international payment



The storm over the fat retirement package given to Israel Discount Bank chairman Shlomo Zohar to convince him to resign nicely is still raging, and now subsidiary Israel Credit Cards-Cal Ltd., which issues Visa cards, is in big trouble. IDB announced yesterday that ICC-Cal is being fined 9 million euros. Visa Europe says it could withdraw the ICC-Cal's permit for international clearing and might even kick it out of Visa.



ICC-Cal subsidiary Cal International clear international online transactions in risky sectors such as Internet gambling and pornography as well as nutritional supplements and drugs.




Visa International guidelines restrict canceled international online transactions to 2% of the total. It was excessive cancellations for supplement purchases that netted ICC-Cal the fine and warning.


Analysts believe that ICC-Cal is readying for a share issue, at a company value of NIS 2.5 billion-NIS 3 billion. The fine and the threat of being booted out of Visa International certainly won't add to ICC-Cal's investing luster.



ICC-Cal began providing clearing services for the purchase of nutritional supplements from Web sites at the end of the first quarter of 2009, and immediately reaped high transaction volumes. By the end of the second quarter it had already made provision for NIS 1.5 million in its reports for this activity. A higher provision is expected in the next report, which will be issued within days.



By the end of July ICC-Visa and Visa Europe were discussing remedies. Last week Visa Europe issued its official report, according to which 90% of the irregularities concerning canceled transactions were for purchases of nutritional supplements.



The 9 million euro fine covers the period ending August 31. ICC-Cal could face an additional 3 million euro fine for the following period.



ICC-Cal officials noted yesterday that the company's contracts permits it to force businesses to bear responsibility for the sanctions, reducing its own exposure. In addition, they pointed out, ICC-Cal has received collateral from some of the businesses, further reducing its own exposure.



Visa Europe informed ICC-Cal that it expects it to take immediate action to reduce the number of canceled transactions and to implement a risk-reduction plan starting December 1 and continuing for the next three months. If the demands are not meant then the ICC-Cal could lose its permit for international payment clearing.



ICC-Cal officials announced that it had introduced such a program and was taking additional measures to meet the demands.



These measures include the November 12 decision by the board of directors to suspend CAL International CEO Steve Greenspan, who in any event told ICC-Cal CEO Boaz Chechik more than a month ago that he was leaving the company. No replacement has been named.



Company officials said that in light of the measures it's been taking, the company is unlikely to lose either its international clearing permit or its membership in Visa.



A significant proportion of ICC-Cal's growth and rise in profitability comes from its international clearing business in general, and in particular from transactions on Internet porn and gambling sites and the purchases of pharmaceuticals - including the erectile dysfunction remedy Viagra.



ICC-Cal is the only Israeli company that engages in international clearing in these sectors. The higher risk associated with them has two main sources: Customers are more likely to regret, and deny, such transactions on the one hand, while on the other hand the businesses that engage in them are less likely to be legitimate.



ICC-Cal's local credit card competitors, LeumiCard and Isracard have declared their unwillingness to venture into these sectors.

Consumers Entering Holiday Season More Joyful Than Gloomy with Plans to Give; Gift Cards Top the List

American Express CompanyImage via Wikipedia

Philanthropy, Friends and Fido Stay on This Year’s List;  Colleagues, Service Providers and Extended Family in Doubt



NEW YORK--PIN Payments News Blog--Even after a year of recession, for some consumers ‘tis the season for a rise in spending. A new survey from American Express (NYSE: AXP) reports that 10 percent of consumers actually intend to open their wallets and spend more on holiday gifts relative to last year and 43 percent plan to spend about the same. In the next 30 days, more than one in five U.S. consumers (22%) expect to spend more when compared to the last 30 day period.



The latest American Express Spending & Saving Tracker, the third in a monthly series, reports about consumers’ views on the economy, what they plan to spend on and what motivates them to spend or save. The research sample of 2011 adults included the general U.S. population1, as well as two subgroups – the affluent2 and young professionals3.



Attitude of Gratitude




Most consumers aren’t gloomy about the approaching holiday season. In fact, when given the choice of describing their attitude going into the holiday season as joyful or gloomy, 41 percent of the general population say they are “joyful”. Another 42 percent are even-keeled, saying they are "neither joyful nor gloomy" and only 13% have a "gloomy" attitude. More than two thirds of young professionals (69%) and more than half (53%) of the affluent report a joyful outlook.



“A personal need that I didn’t have before spending on the holidays” was the top reason given by consumers who expect to spend more on a particular item in the next 30 days (40% of the general population, 44% of young professionals and 40% of affluents). Notably, young professionals have a reason to gift-give: 28 percent say they’ve been saving and now have enough to spend and 28 percent are expecting an increase in income for themselves or from a spouse or partner.



“Even after more than a year of recession, the giving spirit shines brightly this holiday season,” said Pamela Codispoti, American Express senior vice president and general manager, Cardmember Services. “Consumers intend to spend on loved ones, with a plan to give more gift cards and electronics than other items and bringing a sharp eye for bargains. Even though Americans may pare down their gift lists a bit or not spend as much, a clear majority will do as much or more as last year when it comes to charitable giving.”

The Gift Card - Not Cash - Is King


The survey found that gift cards will be the gift of the season at 58 percent vs. all other gift selections.

  • Nearly eight in ten (79%) consumers intend to utilize the Internet as a tool to help with holiday shopping: nearly half (45%) will use the Internet to purchase items, more than one in four (28%) will use it for hard-to-find items, 27 percent to research products, and a quarter will go online to simply look for gift ideas.

  • Five in ten holiday buyers (50%) will most likely spend on clothing and accessories.

  • Toys and games rank as the third most popular present this year with 41 percent.

  • Only 27 percent of consumers plan to give cash as gifts (not including tips that may be given).

  • Electronics are hot among young professionals with 37 percent expecting to give gifts such as iPods and MP3 players.

  • Young professionals are more likely to give entertainment-related gifts such as movie or theatre tickets (38%) or experiential gifts (24%) vs. the general population (18% and 7% respectively).

Tech Reigns, Generosity Pours

In terms of the largest and most expensive single purchase holiday buyers will make, consumers expect to spend the most on technology gifts (with an average gift costing $450) followed by gift cards (with an average gift costing $270). The spending increases for affluents, with averages of $590 for technology and $350 for gift cards respectively.

Consumers like to pay it forward and on the whole plan to be more generous this holiday season. Sixty-three percent of consumers expect to do some type of charitable giving over the holidays, despite the fact that 54 percent of consumers say that as a result of the economy they will be cutting back on the number of gifts they purchase. Two-thirds (69%) plan to do more or the same when it comes to charity this holiday as they did last year. More than one in five young professionals (22%) say they plan to do more compared to last year.

  • Donating money to an organization is the top way consumers like to give (36% of general population, 55% of the affluent and 40% of young professionals).

  • Another popular choice for 31 percent of consumers is purchasing gifts or grocery items for a needy family, while others like to volunteer their time (18%).

  • Only 25 percent of the general population plan to pare back on charitable giving this year compared to 46 percent of consumers who say they plan to spend less on gifts.

Making a List, Checking it Thrice

As a result of the economy, 22 percent of consumers say they will whittle down the number of people on their list. In general, if consumers have to make a choice to cut someone from their list in order to stay within their budget, coworkers are the first to go (17%), followed by service providers such as postal carriers, hair and nail stylists (14%) and then extended family and friends (13%).

  • This is good news for teachers: only two percent would eliminate teachers from the gift list.

  • Less than one percent would eliminate mom, dad or the kids. In fact, members of the immediate family, pets and close friends are the safest.

Discounts Motivate but Free Shipping Also Moves Customers

As consumers begin to buy, the American Express Spending & Saving Tracker found that price discounts are the top motivator for getting consumers into the checkout line. The survey also revealed that other incentives will entice consumers to dig into their pockets. Visions of free shipping, a free gift with purchase and bonus reward points dance in the heads of holiday shoppers as they think about making purchases.

  • Seventy percent of consumers say discounts would be the top motivator to get them to shop within the next 30 days.

  • On average, a 30 percent discount would do the trick. However, 47 percent of young professionals say they would be willing to begin spending with discounts as low as 10 percent.

  • Almost half of holiday shoppers (45%) could be tempted to start their holiday shopping if they were offered free or faster shipping.

  • Other key motivators were a free gift with purchase (35%) and bonus reward points (22%). Free gifts appeal to 52 percent of young professionals; bonus reward points are also apt to pique the interest of young professionals (45%) and affluents (33%).

The American Express Spending & Saving Tracker research was completed online among a random sample of consumers aged 18+. The research sample of 2,011 adults surveyed the general U.S. population, as well as two sub-groups – the affluent and young professionals. Interviewing was conducted by Echo Research between October 29 and November 2, 2009. Overall, the results have a margin of error of +/- 2.2 (or 4.0 among affluent and 4.3 among young professionals) percentage points at the 95 percent level of confidence. For access to previous American Express Spending & Saving Tracker results, please visit www.americanexpress.com/aboutus.



About American Express


American Express Company (www.americanexpress.com) is a leading global payments, network and travel company founded in 1850.





1 The research was conducted online October 29 – November 2, 2009 among a random sample of 2,011 adults aged 18 and older.



2 Affluent - defined as having a minimum annual household income of $100,000.



3 Young Professional - defined as less than 30 years of age, having a college degree, and a minimum annual household income of $50,000.
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Fiserv Ranks First in North America, Fifth Overall, in Chartis' RiskTech100 Report on Global Risk Technology Providers



Fiserv, Inc., the leading global provider of financial services technology solutions, announced today that Chartis Research's RiskTech100, a comprehensive annual study of the top global technology firms active in risk management, has ranked Fiserv fifth overall and number one in North America among firms in the RiskTech100 geographic sectors category.



Fiserv Ranks First in North America, Fifth Overall, in Chartis' RiskTech100 Report on Global Risk Technology Providers

- Momentum in solutions for enterprise financial risk management help drive Fiserv higher in 2009 ranking -



Brookfield, Wis., November 16, 2009 - PIN Payments News Blog -  Fiserv, Inc. (NASDAQ: FISV), the leading global provider of financial services technology solutions, announced today that Chartis Research's RiskTech100, a comprehensive annual study of the top global technology firms active in risk management, has ranked Fiserv fifth overall and number one in North America among firms in the RiskTech100 geographic sectors category.



The company's move up to fifth on the chart this year, from seventh in 2008, is a reflection of the company?s ability to provide enterprise risk management solutions addressing market risk, credit risk, asset-liability risk, financial crimes, financial controls and compliance. The RiskTech100 assessment criteria are comprised of six equally weighted categories: functionality, core technology, organizational strength, customer satisfaction, market presence and innovation. Fiserv ranked well across all categories but was given particularly high marks for organizational strength which recognizes a company's leadership, history and business focus. Additionally, Fiserv ranked high in a new momentum sub-category that recognizes companies? risk technology successes, including new product releases, significant contract wins and financial performance.



"RiskTech100 is the most comprehensive and respected risk technology study, and Fiserv is honored to be ranked among the top five risk technology firms in the global market," said John Filby, president, Risk Management Solutions at Fiserv. "We are proud to have ranked highly on all criteria but are particularly pleased to have earned the highest marks for our organizational strength. This recognition is a testament to the expertise and professionalism of our team and the financial strength and stability of our company."



According to Chartis, the data collection for RiskTech100 study began in January 2009 and the analysis was validated through several phases of independent verification. Chartis' research methodology encompasses the considered opinions of the firm?s analysts as well as extensive research into market trends, participants, expenditure patterns and best practices. Specific research included 824 completed questionnaires from risk technology buyers and end-users; 357 completed questionnaires from risk technology vendors; 126 interviews and product briefings with risk technology vendors; 125 interviews with risk technology buyers to validate survey findings and 75 interviews with independent consultants and systems integrators specializing in risk technology.



With the company's core competency in risk and compliance, Fiserv solutions give financial institutions an enterprise view of risk across all lines of business and the tools necessary to minimize losses, optimize capital and protect reputation.



About Fiserv

Fiserv, Inc. (NASDAQ: FISV) is the leading global provider of information management and electronic commerce systems for the financial services industry, driving innovation that transforms experiences for financial institutions and their customers. Ranked No. 1 on the FinTech 100 survey of top technology partners to the financial services industry, Fiserv celebrates its 25th year in 2009. For more information, visit www.fiserv.com.

International Mobile Money Transfer Services to Exceed $65bn by 2014, According to Juniper Research





Juniper Research Forecasts That International Mobile Remittances Market Will Gain Traction as World Exits Recession





HAMPSHIRE, UK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--According to a new report from Juniper Research the international mobile money transfer market will be worth in excess of $65bn by 2014, based on gross transaction values – driven principally from migrant workers based in developed countries.



Juniper’s new report - ‘Mobile Money Transfer & Remittances: Markets, Forecasts & Strategies 2009-2014’ - however also identified a number of inhibiting factors such as rising global unemployment and increased immigration controls by governments which will hold back the market until the recession is over.



Howard Wilcox, Senior Analyst, commented: “Our view is very clear - in the long term this market proposition is highly attractive. Mobile remittance offers a speedy, cost effective and convenient channel for people to send money regularly to friends and family at home, who themselves may not have bank accounts”.



The mobile money transfer report also revealed a new emerging sector for microcredits, saving accounts and insurance payments. Known as “sophisticated financial services” these services are entirely focused on developing countries where users do not have access to traditional banking or financial services or simply use alternative means of payment traditionally such as physically transporting cash, or storing cash savings at home. The report found that is new market for financial services on the mobile, can add to the attractiveness of mobile money services, and help to reduce mobile operator churn.



Further findings include:

  • North America and Western Europe will be the main remittance sending regions in 2014

  • Typically international transfers are conducted by a smaller base of users than national or domestic transfers, but transaction values are higher, payments are more regular and less frequent.

The report contains comprehensive six year forecasting for all the key market parameters including users, transactions and values for national and international transfers, and sophisticated mobile financial services.

The Mobile Money whitepaper and further details of the study, ‘Mobile Money Transfer & Remittances: Markets, Forecasts & Strategies 2009-2014’ can be freely downloaded from the Juniper research website.

About Juniper Research

Juniper Research provides research and analytical services to the global hi-tech communications sector, providing consultancy, analyst reports and industry commentary.





Contacts

Juniper Research

John Levett

T: +44(0)1256-830-002

E: john.levett@juniperresearch.com

 

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Gemalto Unveils World’s First Bio-Sourced Degradable Smart Cards

Innovation breakthrough answers strong demand

from Gemalto customers around the world



Amsterdam, November 16, 2009 - Gemalto, the world leader in digital security, today launched the world’s first bio-sourced degradable smart cards. The card body is made from renewable material, is easily recyclable and compostable, and can be incinerated without emissions of toxic fumes. Additionally, Gemalto offers packaging made from recycled paper and vegetable inks that significantly reduce the product’s environmental impact. Gemalto’s bio-sourced smart cards will be ready for mass production in the first quarter of 2010.



This innovation breakthrough answers a long-standing demand from banks and operators around the world. To meet this market need, Gemalto offers a bio-sourced smart banking card and a bio-sourced SIM card, each compliant to the industry standards in their respective sector. At Cartes & IDentification this year, Gemalto will be presenting both products on its stand.



The bio-sourced smart cards complement Gemalto’s portfolio of eco-friendly cards, made from paper-based materials for short-term use (e.g. scratch cards), as well as ABS* and PETG** based products, a chlorine-free alternative to PVC cards. The company opted for non-chlorine polymers in the late 1990’s and today, adopting material stemming from agro-products is a major step forward in promoting sustainable solutions for card vendors and end users alike.



“Gemalto has always believed an alternative solution was achievable,” commented Tan Teck Lee, Gemalto’s chief innovation and technology officer. “We are extremely proud to have developed the world’s first degradable smart cards the market has been seeking. These product launches lie within the scope of Gemalto’s corporate strategy to commit to sustainability, with products and manufacturing processes that have a reduced environmental impact.”



Note to editors



Gemalto seeks to minimize the environmental impact of its products all along their life cycle – from initial design and production through consumption to disposal. This implies paying close attention to their chemical content and end-of-life management and complying with applicable regulations, as well as anticipating new risks and growing concerns to protect the global environment. Notably, toxicity analyses are performed at key stages in the product development and production process. All Gemalto products have been available in RoHS*** format since July 2006.



The company also gives its customers the opportunity to subscribe to the carbon neutral production concept that was inspired by the Kyoto Protocol and which is based upon offsetting CO² emissions by helping to finance ecological actions throughout the world such as re-forestation or installing solar energy systems in developing countries.



Gemalto is engaged in programs to comply with national recovery, recycling and end-of-life regulations, and provides these services to its customers. To date, the company operates waste management schemes in France, Germany, Poland and the UK.




**  Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol

*** Reduction of Hazardous Substances





About Gemalto



Gemalto (Euronext NL 0000400653 GTO) is the world leader in digital security with 2008 annual revenues of €1.68 billion, and 10,000 employees operating out of 75 offices, research and service centers in 40 countries.



Gemalto is at the heart of our evolving digital society. The freedom to communicate, travel, shop, bank, entertain, and work—anytime, anywhere—has become an integral part of what people want and expect, in ways that are convenient, enjoyable and secure.



Gemalto delivers on the growing demands of billions of people worldwide for mobile connectivity, identity and data protection, credit card safety, health and transportation services, e-government and national security. We do this by supplying to governments, wireless operators, banks and enterprises a wide range of secure personal devices, such as subscriber identification modules (SIM), Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC) in mobile phones, smart banking cards, smart card access badges, electronic passports, and USB tokens for online identity protection. To complete the solution we also provide software, systems and services to help our customers achieve their goals.



As the use of Gemalto’s software and secure devices increases with the number of people interacting in the digital and wireless world, the company is poised to thrive over the coming years.

For more information please visit www.gemalto.com.



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Israel Police Bust Massive Internet Gambling Ring



















Middle East & Israel Breaking News » Israel » Article



Cars seized during the anti...Nov 16, 2009 10:18 | Updated Nov 16, 2009 15:22

Police bust internet gambling ring

By YAAKOV LAPPIN



Israel Police and the Tax Authority officials broke up a massive online gambling ring on Monday.



Cars seized during the anti-gambling raids

Photo: Israel Police



SLIDESHOW: Israel & Region  |  World



The operation was handled jointly by the police's specialist Lahav 433 unit, Tax Authority investigators, state prosecutors, and the Israel Money Laundering Prohibition Authority.





Over 300 police officers and Tax Authority officials raided the homes of 37 suspects across the country. Dozens of gamblers were taken to police stations for questioning and tens of millions of shekels in assets seized.



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