Here’s How You Can Keep These New Electronic Pickpockets from Stealing Your Money

I love the tap to pay option that cards come with. No scanning, just a quick tap on the device and the transaction is done. Unfortunately, this convenience has made it easier for credit card thieves. 

The Latest Way Credit Card Information is Getting Stolen 

Picture yourself walking through Costco and some person near you is using their phone to connect to the chip on your card without touching your purse. The software can be loaded on a phone or tablet and suddenly you are unknowingly paying for purchases. 

This isn’t the only risk. There are reports of devices that can read the cards from a distance. They gain the information and use it to steal your identity or to make purchases or withdrawals. 

Ways to Combat These New Electronic Pick Pockets 

This site gives three ways to combat this new kind of theft: 

1. Use wallets or purses that have radio-frequency shielding. These products use magnetic fields to block unauthorized scanners. 

3. Be aware of your surroundings and anything that looks suspicious. Regularly review your account statements for purchases you did not make. 

3. Enact two-factor authentication that uses PINs, facial recognition, or thumb prints to approve any purchase.  

Read More: Mail Theft On The Rise, Utah Law Protects Mail and Mailbox

It is frustrating to play this cat and mouse game where every new technology gets taken advantage of requiring new ways to combat it. I guess it is the price we pay for more convenience.