Do Your Credit Cards Have the RFID Chip?

If they are fairly new, they probably do. And this means they are easily stolen.

Over a third of all credit and charge cards now in use in the USA are RFID scan-able. As card issuers are renewing cards, they are including a tiny chip in them. This is an RFID chip, which stands for Radio Frequency IDentification.

These cards are now considered wireless, as they need not be touched by anyone or anything other than the issuee. They do not have to be swiped, they can simply be scanned. The objective is to speed up check out lines, simplify identification, and more.

The chips hold all your numbers, expiration dates and security codes. When you go up to the counter, you swipe your card near a small RFID scanner, and your charge is registered. Put your card away and leave the store.

And hope the bad guys didn’t also scan your unprotected cards.

They are not very apt to have done so while you were checking out. But, with the small and easily acquired scanners that are available now, they might have gotten your numbers while you were in line, standing at another counter, shopping some isle; actually, almost anywhere.

You may think this impossible, because your cards never came out of your purse or wallet except at the check out counter. Doesn’t matter.

RFID scanners can scan your cards right through your pocket, purse or wallet. Even through your hand. This is a super stealthy form of pickpocketing, and easy to do.

The newer scanners are quite small and inexpensive. (Try eBay for under $50). Some even come with cards to use for duplicating. Most will scan from several feet away.

So the person with the folded newspaper, or purse under his/her arm, looking at the magazines, could be scanning your cards while you are looking at the candy bars, for example. And you have just had your card numbers stolen.

Then, they can easily make phone, or on-line purchases. Many have the ability to make and use duplicate cards.

Do you check your statements every month? Carefully? Please do. These thieves can make small purchases at stores common to everyone’s shopping patterns, that never alert the bank, and can easily be looked over by you.

If you don’t protect your cards, you are quite likely headed for considerable inconvenience at the least.

If there are purchases, for, say under $100, at a super market in or near your neighborhood, and using your Bank Visa card numbers, how easy do you think it will be to convince the bank you didn’t make the purchases? Especially considering you still have the card in your possession?

How can one tell if there is an RFID chip in one of their cards?

Some cards are using a symbol, such as the 3 curved vertical lines often used to indicate radio, or sound. Others are using names, such as Safepay. If your card has a name or symbol you don’t recognize or understand, there is a good chance it is RFID enabled.

You don’t have to be a victim. You can protect your self. Card numbers in an aluminum credit card case cannot be scanned. The RFID scanners will not scan through aluminum or steel.