Your credit cards are blabbermouths
Identity theft is already a big problem. We don’t need credit card companies making it even easier to pull off. But that’s exactly what some companies have done with their radio wave frequency identification (RFID) cards. You can quickly tell if you have one of these credit cards by looking at the card front, which will probably contain the Wi-Fi icon.
Why do RFID credit cards make you more vulnerable to identify theft than other credit cards? Because a thief doesn’t need to touch your card to obtain your financial data stored in the RFID chip. As revealed by technical website EnGadget, all that a thief needs to do is skim your card with a reader that he or she can purchase on eBay for about $8.
I don’t have any RFID credit cards, but I’m always concerned about letting a credit card out of my sight, even if it’s just for a few minutes when I hand it to a waiter. That’s why I always use cash or a debit card. I’m a lot more likely to find out sooner rather than later if my debit card has been compromised than I am a credit card.
Need more proof? Check out this article “RFID Credit Cards Are Easy Prey for Hackers.”
Companies that issue RFID credit cards are aware of the seriousness of the problem and are (supposedly) taking steps to correct it. In the meantime, following are six ways to protect yourself from ID theft through RFID credit cards:
- Don’t take your RFID credit cards out of your home. Use them only for online purchases at home. For purchases outside your home, use cash or regular credit or debit cards.
- Keep your RFID credit cards stacked together in your wallet. By keeping them on top of each other, it will be more difficult for a scanner to read data on a particular card.
- Use aluminum foil to wrap your RFID credit cards before putting them in your wallet. Some people have reported that this technique helps block RFID scanners from reading the card.
- Employ a credit card shield for more protection. Several companies manufacture shields that hold your credit card when it’s not in use. Most companies use aluminum material to prevent RFID scanners from reading the data on your card.
- Carry a DataSafe wallet if you’d prefer not to have a separate shield for each individual card. These wallets are manufactured with materials that have been approved by the Government Services Administration to block RFID transmissions.
- Monitor your credit card statements for errors or oddities. Credit card theft and fraud can occur even after taking precautions, but regularly monitoring bank statements can alert you to suspicious activity in a timely fashion.
Do you own an RFID credit card? Were you familiar with this problem prior to obtaining the card? Have you ever been a victim of ID theft as a result of having one of these cards? What precautions do you take with your RFID credit cards? I’d love to hear from you about this subject.
The aluminum I’ve used is from sturdy frozen food items and I lined my wallet with it in double layers so even the strips in the money can’t be detected. The problems with identity theft and cards and etc. are all leading up to chip implants (the mark?). I’ve seen this coming since they first put scanners in the stores and trackers on migrating birds in the late 70’s.
when I need my card I carry it in a special wallet for protection. Otherwise, I leave my card at home! iT ALSO prevents overspending when left at home!
Ok my bank said the opposite of what you’re saying. They changed all cards to RFID saying it is better protection. Why would they say that?
I don’t see any difference in having chip cards. I’ve had credit card fraud more than I care to remember. I’m thinking the chip protects one more on the outside; like carrying it into a store. I’m more concerned about online shopping…which many of us do. For me it is a necessity to shop online.
I just hate thieves!!!
every coin has two sides.You know, even if the Pentagon has been invaded, not to mention an RFID card, and it is undeniable that RFID technology does give us a lot of convenience, I believe that RFID cards will have a wider range of applications in the furture. so buy rfid card on http://www.asiarfid.com
Life-Lock. I have had it for years and they are very effective keeping my credit safe. I also use an RFID case to carry my credit cards safe. Praise God I have had only one unauthorized charge and the credit card helped graciously to get it solved
My credit card company, Visa Citi from Costco has a feature that alerts my cell phone when a charge is made with or without the card being present. Helps me to keep up with my daughter use of her card on my account.
Wow, RFID credit cards is really frightening …
I just spoke with an associate at Bank of America and was told just the opposite of what you said! The chip is an anti-theft device and protects your card. All their cards contain the chip!
I would not believe anything Bank of America or any other bank tells you. They are in it for the profit and do not want to lose your business. I recommend switching to a credit union. If anyone in your family was in the military, you can join a military credit union and obtain cheaper insurance through USAA, too. You do not need to be in the military yourself.
I have found that zapping for a couple of seconds in a microwave oven fries the antenna-chip connection.
Instead of aluminum foil, I very CAREFULLY cut out a double length+ 1/4″ size of my cards from a used aluminum pop can. I folded it over and used printed duct tape to cover it all, and have had no problem with my cards being read by anyone. I’ve had a couple of stores try to scan them from outside of my homemade card pouches and they can’t. This is a lot more long-lasting and it does the job. When my students saw mine they all wanted to make them, too, so I had them make theirs from very sturdy cardboard and choose from a big selection of printed duct tape, which was quite acceptable for them. I sent home classroom letters explaining the lesson, which also incorporated art and cybersafety, with lesson plans written to National Standards.
There are cards that are designed to prevent RFID theft of your credit card info. I have one by a company in Florida called signal vault. Basically it jumbles the data so it is unreadable. i got one for all of my housemates. I can’t guarantee they will protect your information, but it is good to have something that might help. i just thought you might like to know about these.
I just had Id theft. Took my pocketbook to church and someone behind me with an IPhone got all my info on two charge cards. Had exact charge cards made with all my info even the three digit number on the back . Kept purchases between 70. & 80 dollars. Then I went to local gas station self pump and they added a small piece of plastic to the swipe card area they got all my info again. QVC has approved and tested wallets for men and women very expensive & really do work. Had mine tested by a very savvy tech friend because I really had my doubts but he could not get any info from my wallet. One more tip Debt cards are worse than charge cards because they have full access to your bank accounts in a matter of minutes…per the Federal Trade Commission. Good luck….
I know a lady who had her purse stolen out of her car while it was sitting in her driveway in broad daylight in rural America. The police spotted the thief on camera but he was clever enough to avoid positive identification. Goes to show all our efforts help, but we are still not 100% safe.
thanks, Frank, for all the tips. I’ve learned a great deal by reading your posts. One thing though, keys should be held between the index and middle finger to afford the most stable weapon. Ideally two keys, held between the middle fingers and used in a raking action or aimed at the eyes or face work very well. .Always remember that your legs are far stronger than your arms, and kick to fend off an attacker, if possible. Thanks again for all your tips. Read the book “The Gift of Fear – Survival Signals” by Gavin De Becker for more ideas.
Janet, Wow, I have all 3 of Gavin’s books & will never part with them! I have re-read that book several times & just so awesome!!!!
I understand that many states are putting RFID chips in drivers licenses and most passports also have them, so those items also need to be shielded.
Wow, This World Is Out Of Control
Theives Are Everywhere! This Is Just Rediculous!
Once Again, Thank You So Much For All The Things To You Do To Help Us, God Bless You, And Your Friends! :)
Given that the only money there is today is debt it would seem the credit cards want us to used them for all purchases. And If I’m going to do that deed for them, they should be held accountable in the case that an identity should be stolen using one of their cards. They are constantly asking me if I want to pay extra for “theft identity protection”. Just like burglars will find a way into my house no matter what, so will identity thieves.
There’s a huge push to force the national debt onto the “lower classes” these days. That’s the only “trickle down” that has occured, their natl debt.
wow thanks for this enlightening posting. I will keep a close eye on all transactions from now on
What does the Wi-Fi icon look like??
How do you know if your credit card is an rfid card?
I do not have an RFID card. My credit cards protect my purchases. American Express has credited my account after challenging a couple of charges. I was once notified within minutes of an unauthorized purchase. Appeared someone wrote down my account number and I was immediately able to cancel the card and get a new one. This does not happen with a debit card. I never use a debit card on line.
I’ve been a victim of ID theft and almost lost out on a loan application at the bank when they found my credit score was about 600. The bank did NOTHING to help; I did all the research online and discovered some guy in Texas was using my SSN, tracked him to his new home in Seattle, got a satellite view of his new house on Google Maps, and gave that to the bank and the police. Result? Nothing. They said oh well, at least your score was still good enough to approve the loan. Really?
This is the kind of care we get from people who are in charge of our lives? And his name wasn’t even similar to mine! So, all you need is that SSN, apparently. You could be Micky Mouse for all they care.
Now I wrap my card in foil, hoping that’s good enough, and rarely use it except at home, as you recommended. I like the comment about ruining the chip, though. Think I’ll try that out, along with a mylar bag…. Thanks to everyone for their suggestions.
Just guessing – was it Citi Bank? Same thing happened to me and they refused to do anything about it even after a police report!
My husband had his credit card number stolen, and it was a debit/credit card. It was 5 months before we even noticed the charges on our statements. They were small charges, and therefore not easily picked up. He stopped that card, and most of the money has been refunded. I have not yet had a problem, because I use an “Aluma-Wallet, which you can buy at Walmart, or just about anywhere for $10. It will hold several cards, and I understand they cannot be detected inside. I think they may be the same as the DataSafe wallet you talked about. At least, I hope so. The stupid guy that used his card was careless enough to use his own name on items he charged, and we were able to find out who he was. He is now being prosecuted.! He used three different accounts on our statement, and used his own name on all three. That’s how we were able to discover who he was. He was apparently not even in our state!
You can request an non RFID card from most banks.
Thank’s.
Stumbles on this many months ago. told the bank to change them out. They did, no questions. I also got one of those anti RFID wallets that are suppose to help. Yepper just say No to FRID… At least until they show up with the implant syringe…
Someone told me to take a hot curling iron and destroy the chip. I have not tried it. Any comment?
I use a Phillips screwdriver, banging with a hammer to destroy the chip. Just be careful not to damage the magnetic strip on the back.
Hey do yourself a favor and drop the “weird device” bull, and the “one item”. Totally discrediting the truth movement with those commercials. Just be real and promote this website, which is great by the way. Say no to any RFID, don’t wrap it in tinfoil, cut it up and place it in the trash. RFID is the work of technocrate demons.
RFID has its place. I’ve worked with it for tracking large shipments of cargo within DoD. It saves tones of time when you’re in a pallet yard with a few hundred pallets of supplies. It also helps ensure accuracy. You can use a HHI (Hand Held Interrogator) to scan the large RFID ‘chips’ (which are actually about the size of a gold bar) or their printed bar codes in person or make the one you’re looking for beep from up to 100 meters away so you just walk over to it and get what you need.
What we don’t need RFID for is tracking people and keeping tabs on them (big brother). The only half way acceptable exception to this I see is if you want to track your kids (grin) or their cars with a GPS device.
Being that I’m a prepper. I use a mylar bag that you use to store food in. Cut out a piece of the bag that is a half inch larger than your credit card. Iron the three sides together so your credit card may fit in it. You may have to trim with sissors. Thank you for all of your tips!