ABSTRACT
Today, the access device or credit card has evolved to be a champion of technology. In light of the technological advances in access devices, the information that access devices store or transmit has been pivotal in major investigations, from murders to Internet crimes, as well as credit card fraud. The access device, or credit card, has evolved tremendously since after World War II. Excellent systematic recordkeeping at the touch of a keyboard has given investigators up-to-the-minute access to transaction history as well as location of use. The device has been designed to replace cash transactions by providing immediate purchasing power with an established line of credit. In 1996, the communications industry came out with another type of access device, the telephone card. Clearly, if a consumer charges a good or service with the device, the issuer has pledged to make payment to the merchant or provider, providing the account is open and active.
