A great number of travelers and consumers end up being victimized by electronic pickpockets and in most cases never even know it. Credit card companies have started embedding RFID (radio frequency identification) chips in credit cards and the U. S. Government also uses this technology in passports. The reason is that the cards can hold more data than the cards with magnetic stripes and they also can be read much faster.
Electronic pickpocketers can pick up information from RFID-enabled cards in your pocket or purse. The eavesderopping thieves can glean this information using relatively cheap equipment. Just by passing on the street, thieves using a card reader and netbook computer can steal your personal information. Card skimming works especially if you are only carrying one contactless card. It is possible that your card could be read from up to 3 feet away.
To combat this threat, credit card companies use powerful encryption techniques to make it harder for your information to be stolen. However encryption requires extra processing time and some companies who value speed may choose not to use the encryption. Regardless, the thieves eventually develop their own technology to offset whatever protections are implemented. As fast as credit card companies come up with new ideas, the bad guys find some new way to steal from you.
Even if the electronic pickpocketers find they can’t use the card account, they often are able to find outlets for other stolen card information. With the right know-how and the correct information the thief can view all the information on the front page of your passport.
The credit card number and expiration date are all we need to pick up a phone, call an 800 number and make an purchase. A Visa representative calls the risk associated with certain RFID cards a major concern.
So, what can you do? One way to protect yourself from identity theft is by blocking the radio frequency tags that are embedded in the credit dards. This can be accomplished by using one of the new Aluminum wallets to carry your credit cards. These indestructible aluminum wallets are safe from elctronic pickpockets and we have the best avaialable at Willow Tree.
These aluminum wallets offer a great alternative to the traditional leather wallet. The are sleek and will fit easily into a back pocket or purse. They are available in different colors and make great gifts.
Don’t be a victim. Do whatever is necessary for peace of mind and protection from electronic pickpocket thieves
