RFID are Radio Frequency Identification Devices that I have discussed in previous articles. They are half the size of a laptop.
When a thief walks by you in a restaurant, airport or department store etc, the “card reading device”, costing less than $100, automatically steals your personal info off your credit card.
The Radio Frequency Identification is a tiny chip in our credit and debit cards. If your card has the symbol of 4 waves )))) or says Pay Pass, Pay Wave or Blink it has RFID. Most of of you did not realize that your credit card information could also be stolen without taking the physical credit card by DIGITAL/SILENT PICKPOCKETS.
I recently learned of guard card protectors which are supposed to BLOCK the theft of information. I have ordered them but don’t yet know how well they work.
It certainly would seem logical that with Covid and fewer crowds, that there would be less opportunities for the bad guys to use the RFID to steal our info. However I have not read any confirming info. The important thing is to be aware that this exists and be careful.
We must also be aware of other scams. People are still shopping so those scams will always be there. However staying at home allows the bad guys to call and get someone on the phone they can scam.
Booster Box/Bag: A larger hollow box or bag is placed down over a slightly smaller shopping bag, purse or product placed on the ground while looking in a showcase. The spring loaded bottom secures the item about to be stolen. The thief then walks away without anyone seeing what happened.
Fake Shipping: I have received emails notifying me my package is on its way. Be careful and don’t click when you get this notice, as it may contain a link or attachment that will take you to a site that installs malware. If you didn’t order anything, don’t click on it.
Gift Cards: They can be the perfect gift… IF not already opened. However, crooks go to stores and write down the numbers and pin on the back of the gift card. When they see someone purchase one they go online and use up the amount on the card. Thus you must be sure the wrapping on the card has not been disturbed, or the pin revealed.
Fraudulent Charities: During the Covid epidemic, catastrophic fires, hurricanes or earthquakes, we are all more inclined to help our fellow man. Thus we may fall for one of dozens of phony charities. If you don’t recognize the charity don’t donate to them.
To investigate a charity go to Calif Charity Regulator, NASCO (National Assoc of State Charity officials). Check the website of the charity and inquire about their mission and what percent of the money goes to charity. If/when you spot a Scam, report it to FTC or state charity regulator through nasconet.org. That is the only way to try to protect the next guy. OpenSecrets.org is another site to see if the charity is really a charity, and to confirm they give the money to those in need.
E-Cards: Many people now send holiday and birthday cards via email rather than through the mail. Be careful before you click on them if you don’t recognize the name of the sender. These are often phishing scams, aimed at getting you to provide more personal information.
IF your credit card is stolen or compromised, report it to the major reporting agencies below.
Equifax 1-800 525 6285: to place a fraud alert 888 766 0008. To order a credit report call 800 685 1111
Experian (formerly TRW 1-888 397 3742 to place fraud alert. To order a credit report call 888 397 3742
Trans Union 1-800 680 7289 to place a Fraud alert. To order a credit report call 800 888 4213
Social Security Administration (fraud line) 1-800 269 0271
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DALE GRIBOW
Representing The Injured and Criminally Accused
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