Thieves Using Anti-Theft Technology Can Steal Credit and Debit Card Information from Several Feet Away
Southfield, MI - December 16, 2010 – A disturbing abuse of technology allows someone to penetrate your wallet or handbag in order to steal your credit card, debit and smart card data while sitting or walking nearby. It is called “Electronic Pickpocketing.”
The technique uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to allow anyone with a laptop computer and a device available on the Internet to walk through malls, airports and other public places to collect information from people’s wallets without ever having to approach them.
RFID is commonly used as anti-shoplifting technology, security entrance cards, automatic checkout at libraries and scanning of passports. Large RFID scanners can be found surrounding exits of stores and libraries.
Better Business Bureau Serving Eastern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula says consumers can easily protect their information from RFID scanners by purchasing a RFID Blocking Wallet, RFID Blocking Credit Card Sleeve or with a simple do-it-yourself method:
1. Cut two pieces of cardboard the size of a credit card.
2. Wrap each dummy card with aluminum foil.
3. Place one of the foil cards on each side of the wallet to shield credit cards from
RFID scanning.
4. Place all cards with smart chips next to each other between the foil cards.
RFID scanners penetrate a wallet head-on. So follow these steps to make them more difficult to read.
As privacy advocates express concern about growing use of RFID and its vulnerabilities, manufacturers are working on ways to limit their transmission range.
You can find more information on RFID technology at: http://www.snopes.com/fraud/identity/pickpocket.asp