Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (10) for issuing integrated circuit cards (9). The apparatus includes an integrated circuit card writer (12) arranged to issue each of the integrated circuit cards (9), with information stored therein. The apparatus (10) also includes a magnetic stripe card reader (16) which is arranged to read information from a magnetic stripe card (2) inserted therein and to transmit the information to the writer (12) to be written into a blank integrated circuit card (9) stored in the writer (12). A key pad is provided (22) for entering identifying information in respect of the user of the magnetic stripe card (2) is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus means (102,104) for detecting an attempted fraudulent use of an intergrated circuit card. The invention is characterized by a card invalidation mechanism operable to render the card permanently non-usable in response to the detection of the attempted fraudulent use.

Abstract: A card reader (16) having a single entry slot (18) for cards (2), and an electronic control means (35) for controlling the operation of the reader (16). The reader (16) further includes a smart card reading section (26) incorporating a plurality of terminals (34,38,36) respectively adapted to read contact smart cards, inductive contactless smart cards and capacitive contactless smart cards. A pair of endless belts (28) are arranged to form a feed path (30) there between. A card (2) inserted through the entry slot (18) is received between the endless belts (18) and transported through the card reader (16) and positioned in the smart card reading section (26) so that smart card terminals (6,8 or 10) on the card (2) are located beneath corresponding smart card terminals (34,36 or 38) in the card reader (16). Data can then be read from the card (2) if the card (2) is a contact smart card, an inductive contactless smart card or a capacitive contactless smart card.