RFID Pickpocketing Nightmare 

Electronic Pickpocketing Can be Prevented

When you applied to open that charge card in your wallet or that credit card in your purse, the thought of having your information stolen probably wasn’t the first thing on your mind. It almost seems as if everyone is more concerned about the interest rates that they pay on their charge cards than with the possibility of identity theft. Even when you are applying for that instant approval credit card, you have to be careful that the site you are using is not a phishing site. As if all of that was not enough, thanks to the advancement of technology, there is a new threat to our privacy.  

Technology can be used for good as we have seen in our everyday lives. It can also be used for evil as we have all witnessed or heard of at one point or another. There are those who strive to work hard and make an honest living, and then there are those who try to steal from those who are trying to make an honest living. If you have a credit card or debit card, you’ve probably heard a lot either online or in from regular media outlets about the practice of skimming. 

You’ve probably heard stories about people whose credit card or debit information were stolen through high-tech or low-tech methods and the accounts robbed. We have been warned about not using ATMs in certain locations that may be more prone to credit card or debit card skimming mechanisms. The criminals must have heard these reports as well because they come up with a new and extremely high tech method to steal your credit card and debit card information. This new high-tech method is called RFID pickpocketing. 

What is RFID pickpocketing? It is a way that criminals can steal your credit card or debit card information simply by walking by you. It is also known as high-tech hijacking. Thieves are now able to steal your credit card information without laying a finger on your wallet. This is possible through Radio Frequency Identification Technology. Its intent was to make paying for things easier. You’ll find it in everything from your passport to your credit cards as well as your debit cards. It is leaving over 140 million people at risk for electronic pickpocketing. 

There was a special report on News 3 showing how easy a stranger can walk by you with a special RFID technology item and in no time they can have your credit card information without even touching your wallet. It is kind of scary how high-tech crime is becoming. Electronic pickpocketing is going to be the method of choice for criminals in the future. Why should they bother to steal your wallet or purse when they can inconspicuously get your information without you having even the slightest clue? 

In case you weren’t aware, all US passports issued since 2006 have RFID technology implanted in them. Imagine what a criminal who is able to steal your passport information, debit card or check card information and your credit card information. Imagine what they could do with this information. The technology that makes it possible to steal your information is available online for around $100. In the wrong hands no one is safe from this technology. If a criminal went into a large crowd, they could steal untold information from an untold number of people, all without the victims having the slightest idea of what has happened to them.

What can you as a consumer do to combat this? How can you protect your credit card and debit card information from this new and invasive identity threat possibility? How can you help protect your family and friends from this new threat? Checks Unlimited has come out with a line of wallets and accessories that feature specialized RFID blocking materials. The new SecureMyID products from Checks Unlimited will help stop scanners from accessing credit card information. SecureMyID™ Wallets and Accessories