Although technology can provide us with a lot of convenience, it can also leave us a lot more vulnerable. When technology falls into the wrong hands, our personal information can easily follow suit. With instances of identity theft, credit card fraud, and all kinds of cyber crimes dominating the headlines, you might be asking: is my private data ever really safe?
You might assume that if you never share your passwords or store your credit card information on ecommerce websites, you’ll have nothing to worry about. You know how to spot phishing scams and don’t answer robocalls. But you might not realize that even when you never take your credit card out of your pocket, it’s still possible for criminals to access and use that information. Without ever using a compromised portal, giving out your PIN, or signing a receipt, your payment cards can be compromised.
That’s why it’s so important to invest in additional protection. Something as simple as the wallet you choose to hold your payment cards can have a huge effect on how safe your information is. By switching out a traditional wallet for an RFID credit card wallet, you’ll be putting a barrier between your account numbers and the thieves who want to steal them.
How Does RFID Technology Work?
RFID, or Radio Frequency Identification, works by using an electromagnetic field to pinpoint and track certain objects with account information attached. RFID might be compared to a more sophisticated version of a barcode -- it’s what connects your credit card numbers to a specific account, allowing you to pay for items without physical tender. RFID was first created in World War II, but it’s also used in the modern age in toll booth payment systems, passport scanning, and more.
Criminals take advantage of RFID technology by utilizing scanners (also known as skimmers) to obtain account numbers, expiration dates, and even CCV codes on credit cards. That information isn’t just printed on the card; it’s also stored in chips within or strips on the card. The electromagnetic waves dispersed by these skimmers are so powerful that they can pass through bags, clothing, and more. Using these skimmers, a thief can simply walk close to you and retrieve this information, all without ever needing physical contact. Criminals can then transfer this information onto a new card using a card magnetizing tool. And because these gadgets are actually pretty affordable, these criminals are willing to make the investment for the potential payoff.
How Can an RFID Credit Card Wallet Help?
RFID is an immensely helpful invention -- but you need to protect your information, too. That’s where an RFID credit card wallet can come in handy. These wallets are designed to block skimmers from being able to access the information contained on the credit cards stored inside. A layer of metal will be wrapped in different finishes (like leather, wood, or other materials to keep those electromagnetic fields from reaching your cards; it basically works like a protective forcefield that diverts the skimmer’s electromagnetic waves and diverts them around the wallet, without ever allowing access.
Even if you’re careful about where you use your credit cards or make it a point never to shop online, the reality is that your information is still extremely vulnerable. All it takes is a discrete device to obtain that information from your own pocket or purse. Making the switch to an RFID credit card wallet will ensure that your account information is safer. You can use and store your cards with confidence knowing that your wallet is doing so much more than merely keeping your information all in one place.
Rather than take a chance with your credit cards, consider investing in a stylish RFID blocking wallet to safeguard your most personal information. For more on our innovative wallets and how they can promote increased privacy, please contact us today.