PayPass too easy to rip off: WA magistrate

PayPass debit cards are all too easy to use unlawfully, a Perth magistrate says.

Michael Wheeler made the comment while sentencing Telisha Jade Penny on Wednesday after she pleaded guilty to more than 30 counts of gains benefit by fraud.

Perth Magistrates Court heard the woman had obtained someone else's PayPass debit card and had used it to buy cigarettes, gift cards and food, including fresh oysters, fruit salad and McDonald's.

The transactions ranged in value from as little as $1.40 up to $95.

"That pay wave system is troublesome ... when someone loses their card," Mr Wheeler said.

"It's so easy. You just swipe your card and away you go."

He said fraudsters could even get away with using a card bearing the name of someone of a different gender because they were not checked.

Mr Wheeler noted banks were liable for such losses but added "they make enough - they can sort it out for themselves".

He fined Penny, who is heavily pregnant and has spent several weeks in Bandyup Prison.

Mr Wheeler also admonished her for smoking while pregnant.