Electronic Pickpocketing
How do we protect ourselves from high-tech hackers?
According to the Federal Reserve
Bank of Boston, 72.1 percent of American consumers in the United States owned at least 1 credit card
in 2012. Modern thieves can purchase powerful scanners for less than $100 that can wirelessly retrieve your credit card information from up to 25 feet
away! If you’re not scared yet, for just $300 more they can buy a device that replicates your credit card.
How
does it work?
Modern credit cards come equipped
with a RFIC (Radio-Frequency Identification chip) that can be scanned at
restaurants such as McDonald’s. Through a process called “skimming”, hackers
utilize a powerful scanner that can intercept these radio frequencies
alarmingly easily. These criminals typically lurk in densely populated areas
like a mall or a parade where they can drain your funds undetected.
How
do we protect ourselves?
Protecting your vital credit card
information may be simpler than you thought. You can shield your credit cards
radio frequency by simply wrapping your card in aluminum foil or purchasing an
aluminum wallet for around $15 at any CVS store. A small expense for a great
defense against new age criminals.
Popular chipped credit cards:
Visa
Pay wave,
American Express PayPass,
and Discover zip
