RF ID - Technology with a Nasty Little Surprise

 

Ok, top piece of useful info from Neighborhood Watch meeting didn't even relate to the neighborhood, but credit card theft. Some new credit cards have the above "blink" symbol -- for example, Chase is issuing them. The technology uses a radio frequency chip embedded in the card that beams the credit card number (encrypted) to a receiver terminal so the user doesn't have to swipe the card to make a purchase. Just get within (allegedly) 4 inches of the terminal with the card and presto - purchase done! The problem is that it doesn't turn off -- it's continuously beaming out your credit card number.  Not so great if a smart geek squad kind of thief gets the use of a terminal.  Then:  free credit card numbers!  How convenient! The Gilbert Policers said the terminals can detect from up to 60 feet away.  Hmm, nice and so much more convenient for unscrupulous people to steal from you without getting up close!  To elevate your alert level from yellow to orange, new passports also have an RFID chip in them -- to make exporting identity theft just that much easier!!

But there's an answer, and the shoppers among us will like this answer: a new purse or wallet!! Search on Faraday cage bag or purse or wallet or passport case. Or satchel or European men's carry-all, you get the point.  People are making these lined with a conducting material (nickel-impregnated nylon, sounds classy!) to interfere with the RF transmissions of the chip.  So, with technology comes the opportunity (and need!) to buy a great new handbag like this one:

  

Not sure I like the fringe but otherwise, pretty cool design (shut it, anti-purse people, just buy the wallet then!) Anyway, I like it when a threat comes with shopportunity (a reason to buy something)!

And in closing, may I say I found it distrubing that both the Gilbert PD "crime prevention specialists" admitted to being victimized by identify theft (one admitted to four times!).  Um, really?!?! Is that what makes them specialists?!?!