Touch ‘n Go Reminds Users To only Purchase Enhanced NFC Cards Through Official Stores

Touch 'n Go has issued a social media reminder, urging users to only purchase its cards through official channels. This comes after reports that a man was duped out of more than RM23,500 after attempting to purchase four Enhanced NFC cards for RM32 last week.

The company reiterated that cards are only available through the TNG eWallet app, TNG Service Centres in Bangsar South and NuSentral, and select petrol stations. The official website contains a complete list of the latter. Touch 'n Go used to sell the Enhanced cards through its official Lazada store, but it now only sells the RFID self-fitment kit. It also reminded users that it does not conduct business via WhatsApp, Telegram, social media, or other channels. It also stated that users should disregard advertisements, sellers, and pages on those platforms and report them to the company.

Because of the chronically limited stock that Touch 'n Go attributed to the global semiconductor shortage and the COVID-19 pandemic, the Enhanced cards have been a prime target for scalpers since their launch last year. Within days of its announcement, Shopee and Lazada were inundated with listings for the NFC card at exorbitant prices, sometimes exceeding RM100. For context, the Enhanced card's official retail price is RM10, plus an RM5 shipping fee if purchased through the eWallet app.

Unfortunately, it appears that the cards are also being used by con artists to defraud unsuspecting buyers who are expecting a good deal. This is primarily due to the ease of use—the Enhanced cards include an NFC chip that allows users to reload using an NFC-enabled smartphone and the TNG eWallet app. This allows them to completely avoid reload kiosks, gas stations, and convenience stores, which may charge a reload fee.