I just learned something new today that scares the hell out of me. Electronic pickpocketing. Have you ever heard of such a thing? If not, listen up, especially if you live in a big city, or attend large events where hundreds of people congregate. What you learn here can very well save you a lot of hassle and heartache.
Electronic pickpocketing refers to a new kind of crime where crooks use a portable card reader to get your personal credit card information through rfid, without even touching your wallet! RFID stands for radio frequency identification. Many large credit card companies use this type of technology to make it possible to swipe your card and go. Just wave your card over the reader and you've paid for your purchase. While this makes for and easy, fast process at the checkout, it also makes it extremely easy for criminals to get your information and use it to purchase items for themselves.
There are ways to protect yourself from identity theft in this manner. A website called Identity Stronghold sells specially made wallets and sleeves that protect your cards from this type of theft. Once your cards are placed inside, portable card readers can not read the information. These wallets and sleeves are also good for protecting passports and ID badges. As a matter of fact, the government uses them for their employees' ID badges.
Better safe than sorry, I always say.
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