As anyone with a credit card knows, you could be getting ripped off at any time and not even know it. But security experts and law enforcement have discovered that some bottom-feeders have added a new twist to credit card theft–something called “digital pick-pocketing” or “RFID skimming.”
My hometown of Charlotte has seen a rash of this lately. Security expert Walt Augustinowicz recently spoke with WBTV in Charlotte to show how simple–and dangerous–this is. Using a device that can be hidden inside a tablet case or a handheld device roughly the size of an iPhone, a bottom-feeder can walk up to you and swipe enough information off your credit card to run up your bill. The devices are powerful enough that they can read through a wallet, pocket, or purse. The frightening part is that the victim doesn’t even know he or she has been targeted. These devices can capture the information off a recently-added feature that was intended to make credit cards safer. Many of you have noticed that your credit cards now come with RFID chips installed. They were supposed to make it difficult to make counterfeit cards.
Credit cards aren’t the only things at risk from these scammers. Augustinowicz says that thieves have been known to use these devices to capture and copy information off RFID chips in key cards and access badges used in apartment complexes, gated communities and workplaces. He showed WBTV’s Brody O’Connell how easy it was to copy O’Connell’s badge so he could get into WBTV’s studios. That really unnerved me, since my badge at work has similar technology.
Earlier, Augustinowicz told WJZY in Charlotte that these devices are very easy to make–all you need is an RFID scanner that can be bought at the store, a battery and a Bluetooth transmitter. There are apps available that can receive the captured information on smartphones. Chris Kopp of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s crime prevention unit says that his team has tried to stay one step ahead of the crooks by creating their own skimming devices. Technically, the practice of RFID skimming isn’t illegal; according to Kopp, “there’s nothing illegal” about the parts needed for these devices or putting them together. Using the information captured from them, of course, is outrageously illegal.
There’s a way to head the crooks off at the pass, though. Augustinowicz’ company, Identity Stronghold, has partnered with CMPD to hand out 5,000 credit card sleeves that can prevent skimmers from reading your card. If you live in Charlotte, you can pick up a sleeve for free at any CMPD division office. Several banks around the country are distributing them for free as well, and they can also be bought online at the Identity Stronghold Website. I know I’m going to find a way to get one for my credit card.
