Guard Yourself Against RFID Theft

by Ronel Forbes

September 1, 2022

Financial transactions are now speedier and more frictionless than ever thanks to technological improvements. Radio frequency identification, also known as RFID, is a new technology that has gained popularity quickly.

How has it affected you? RFID credit cards have advantages, but it’s crucial to understand how to safeguard oneself from those who would abuse this cutting-edge technology.

Describe RFID Theft.

Before we get started, let me clarify what I’m referring to. To begin with, RFID, or radio frequency identification, resembles a real ID or identification card, with the exception that the data encoded in the latter can be accessed via radio waves up to a certain distance away.

This enables contactless payments by just tapping a credit or debit card on an RFID reader. Previously, the card had to be inserted into the reader. RFID has made the procedure simpler.

How does RFID thievery operate?

However, those advantages come with risks. It is possible to intercept the wireless signals used to effortlessly pay by tapping the card against a reader. Anyone walking by with an RFID reader device has the ability to utilize it to take the card’s information.

RFID theft is also known as “wireless identity theft” or “contactless identity theft” for this reason.

It resembles a pickpocket trying to steal your wallet without really taking it out of your pocket. The contents of the wallet, especially the credit or debit cards, can simply be electronically stolen and used. Because of this, some refer to it as “electronic pickpocketing.”

Defense Against Related Scams

The concept is similar to that of ATM card skimming, but there won’t be a requirement to reprint the copied data on a blank card in order to use it. RFID theft involves the wireless acquisition of information that can be used to steal money, approve payments, or even utilize your identity in nefarious ways.

Skimming of credit cards and ATM cards

Skimming from a credit card is comparable to skimming from an ATM.

The latter method involves attaching a skimming device to ATMs in order to record the card number that will be printed on blank cards as previously described. The skimming device typically comes with a fake keypad to record the pin, allowing the savings in the ATM account to be withdrawn using the duplicate card and recorded pin.

Credit cards can be used in the same way (CC). The magnetic stripe, which houses data like the credit card account number, name of the cardholder, the expiration date of the card, and even the CVV, is where the skimmer will steal information.

I’d like to think that fewer people are skimming these at ATMs. It can be linked to banks stepping up security efforts to prevent dishonest people from covertly putting skimming devices on ATMs.

However, it is still wiser to exercise caution, particularly when using an ATM in a rural, impoverished portion of the country or abroad. Simply check the keypad and card slot before using them to accomplish this. If there are additional gadgets attached that are not a component of the machine, those will jiggle.

Magnetic Stripe vs. EMV

The majority of banks have also switched to issuing EMV chip-enabled cards instead of magnetic stripe cards.

What’s the distinction? Simply put, mag stripes carry static information about the user, making transactions simpler by allowing the card to be swiped to a reader, which will then scan the data on the card to authorize the purchase.

On the other hand, EMV chip-enabled cards need to be put into a reader in order to process payments. However, EMV chips don’t transmit static data. Every time the card is used, they produce a fresh code to transfer data. EMV cards appear to be safer in this situation.

However, both can still be the victim of fraud, such as when card information is stolen or the card is used without authorization.

Cover the CVV

Simply concealing the CVV, or the three- or four-digit numerical code located at the back of the card, is another method that is effective regardless of the card payment feature (magnetic stripe, EMV, or RFID). For this aim, stickers are offered for sale.

Lazada has some that I’ve seen. Simply using masking tape is another option. Some people choose to scratch out the CVV, however this practice is not advised, as is any type of card tampering.

Do not attempt to remove the tape after covering the CVV, even if you still need to use it. In this manner, it will be obvious if someone tries to take it off. If necessary, memorize the card verification number if not, write it down somewhere secure.

For physical establishments, the CVV is not even necessary, but it is crucial for online purchases. Therefore, even if the card number is stolen, it is useless without the code.

Screens for fake logins

In an email phishing scam, links to the bank login page are emailed to recipients.

When you carefully examine the website that is presented after clicking the link, you’ll see that it appears legitimate, but the URL is different from the link to the official website. Even though it may appear to be the same, there are variations like an underscore, a hyphen or dash, and misspelled words.

Financial firms all employ HTTPS extensions rather than standard HTTP because they require the highest level of security. Websites pretending to be banks won’t bother to get an HTTPS extension.

Additionally, the email address utilized differs from the banks’. As a result, nothing occurs when you input your login information, but the phony website has already recorded your credentials and will shortly try to log you into the actual bank website.

Since there are mobile users, SMS phishing can duplicate the same technique. Text messages will be used to send the bogus bank login link to mobile phone numbers.

Conclusion

RFID theft is an underappreciated issue brought on by contemporary technologies.

Although it is theoretically possible to steal someone’s card information using an RFID skimmer, the information they obtain would lack the required identifiers to carry out widespread fraud or, in most situations, even a straightforward transaction.

With the absence of name identifiers in modern RFID chips, it is nearly difficult for thieves to exploit your information.

But most people would rather err on the side of caution. If you fall into this category, you can utilize a few easy hacks or purchase an RFID-blocking wallet, card, or sleeve.

Tyvek and aluminum foil have both been demonstrated to block RFID frequencies, assisting in the protection of your cards and passports. The best theft prevention is constantly being prepared and vigilant.