Dolphin Posted November 26, 2011 Share Posted November 26, 2011 So, we dh and I were stumped today. Our debit cards were compromised. It stinks, but happens sometimes. Dh had it happen once, and I spent at Michael's during the at risk time. Pain in the neck, lots of paper work, but not the end of the world. The part that got us, is that this time, it was both of our debits cards that went on a crazy spending spree. We have not been anywhere where we both used our cards. We also both have our cards, but they were being swiped, not used online. Turns out that while we were sitting and having lunch at Panera on Wednesday, someone got within 18 inches of us. They had a RFID data reader in a pocket and were able to pick up the radio signal from the pay pass. Then they went home and made cards, and spending spree commenced. So, just a warning, your card info can be stolen while sitting safely in your purse, on your lap as you don't trust hanging it on the back of a chair if you have a contact-less pay feature. Just FYI Nicole Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pink Fairy Posted November 26, 2011 Share Posted November 26, 2011 Well that totally stinks. :( So sorry that happened to you, and wow--I guess staying home is the only way to be totally safe these days. :001_huh: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unscripted Posted November 26, 2011 Share Posted November 26, 2011 Holy cow! I am so sorry that happened to you! Thanks for the warning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Photo Ninja Posted November 26, 2011 Share Posted November 26, 2011 So what can be done to block the signal? Surely there must be a way. Perhaps a metal case of some kind to keep the cards in? Of course that would not be convenient at all, but if this happened to you, then it is probably happening to a lot more people. Anyone know how to prevent a rogue RFID user from reading the cards? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thescrappyhomeschooler Posted November 26, 2011 Share Posted November 26, 2011 Is that how they do it? I've had my debit/credit info stolen twice- within a two month time period! I thought it was somehow from purchasing something online. Jeez, now what are we supposed to do? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hathersage Posted November 26, 2011 Share Posted November 26, 2011 I found this... " you can buy RFID-blocking sleeves for your contactless cards or create a simple one out of -- seriously -- aluminum foil." The problem with the foil is it tends to rip over time... I've seen RFID blocking wallets doing a quick google search as well... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freesia Posted November 26, 2011 Share Posted November 26, 2011 So what can be done to block the signal? Surely there must be a way. Perhaps a metal case of some kind to keep the cards in? Of course that would not be convenient at all, but if this happened to you, then it is probably happening to a lot more people. Anyone know how to prevent a rogue RFID user from reading the cards? You can wrap them in aluminum foil. My dh got us both special wallets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Night Elf Posted November 26, 2011 Share Posted November 26, 2011 Do you have to have that feature? After what happened with you, I don't think I'm interested at all. I hope my bank doesn't move to that technology. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudoMom Posted November 26, 2011 Share Posted November 26, 2011 Do you have to have that feature? After what happened with you, I don't think I'm interested at all. I hope my bank doesn't move to that technology. I know last time I checked at my bank, I had the option to order a card without this feature. I think it's one of the dumbest ideas ever, precisely for the reason the OP described. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dolphin Posted November 26, 2011 Author Share Posted November 26, 2011 Another friend informed me that you need to protect your passport too. I read about the foil, another friend told me that you can bash the chip with a hammer. I am calling the bank on Monday to see if we can get our card without the pay pass feature. I am starting to think that jars buried in the back yard might not be such a bad idea after all. So, somehow, there are still charges going through (I guess from stores posting that don't do it daily. We got woken up this morning by wallmart calling to confirm our online order. Here is the scary part, they had created a wallmart.com account, with my dh's name, address, and phone number. We are going out tomorrow to buy a locking mailbox (just in case) I am going to call and order all new cards, even the uncompromised ones. I am going to be dealing in cash a lot more and leaving my cards at home. We have equifax already, and this morning both my hubby and I went in and put a fraud alert on our accounts. It means if anyone tries to open an account they will call the number we provided to verify. I really wanted to be doing Christmas decorating today, not researching how best to protect our identities. I was staying positive, and then I got a bill from my MRI in the mail. Insurance should cover it, but come Monday I am going to have all this paperwork to sort through, and have to fight with my insurance company. We had $123 in the bank before this happened, I can't pay $1182 for a preventative test. I am really gloomy now and trying to snap out of it. Urgh!!!!! I guess it is good I am going to play laser tag with my family tonight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StaceyinLA Posted November 27, 2011 Share Posted November 27, 2011 And how do you know if you have it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lisamarie Posted November 27, 2011 Share Posted November 27, 2011 So what can be done to block the signal? Surely there must be a way. Perhaps a metal case of some kind to keep the cards in? Of course that would not be convenient at all, but if this happened to you, then it is probably happening to a lot more people. Anyone know how to prevent a rogue RFID user from reading the cards? And how do you know if you have it? My card says it right on there. I got a new card this year and didn't realize I had a choice. I will be requesting the non pay pass card on Monday or pulling out the tin foil. I always wanted to wear a tin foil hat, so this is the next best thing.:tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie4b Posted November 27, 2011 Share Posted November 27, 2011 And how do you know if you have it? I want to know, too. I've never heard of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dolphin Posted November 27, 2011 Author Share Posted November 27, 2011 your card should say pay pass on it if it is a mastercard. It is for those new machines where you just have to tap your card rather than swipe it. corporate travel safety has some good items on it for protection. We are going to be looking into those. DH and I are thinking of getting each other a RFID safe wallet each for Christmas this year. They also have some great travel bags. Not just RFID safe, but safe from other types of pickpockets etc... DH is from the UK, so we travel to Europe every other year, and we might get one for our passports and such. The Laser tag was good, and I am feeling much better. I got my little sister 12 times, and she only hit me twice:lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mama2Many4 Posted November 27, 2011 Share Posted November 27, 2011 I have Visa through BOA so I should be good then. I sure hope. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In The Great White North Posted November 27, 2011 Share Posted November 27, 2011 Turns out that while we were sitting and having lunch at Panera on Wednesday, someone got within 18 inches of us. They had a RFID data reader in a pocket and were able to pick up the radio signal from the pay pass. Then they went home and made cards, and spending spree commenced. How did you find this out? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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