Q Talk

[Spurt]

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@ChynnaBlue wrote:

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@handygal2 wrote:

Why is it that it seems that every show host who presents an RFID protection wallet has had an identity theft incident? It seems to be more than a coincidence. Just wondering...

ETA: I believe RFID blockers are not necessary unless you have a "wave-and-pay" type card. 

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They also need to stop confusing Identidy Theft with Credit Card Fraud. If someone steals your actual identity, it can be very difficult to clear up and take years and court battles to do it. If someone steals your credit card information, it can take literally minutes to clean up.

Credit card fraud happens way more often. I've had it happen twice and have had to get a new credit or debit card quite a few times over the last few years because it MIGHT have been compromise whenever a major business was hacked. Many of my friends have been victims of credit card fraud, but none have been victims of identify theft.

Frankly, the odds are higher than someone will get my credit card information from an online hack than from my wallet, especially since very few US cards even have RFID chips in them.

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@ChynnaBlue  Hi CHYNNABLUE---EXCELLENT POINT!!! I think you hit the nail on the head!!!!!  There is a big difference between Identify theft and credit card theft---I think it is more common to get a credit card hacked.

I had my credit card hacked on Amazon....and thankfully my bank called to verify an out of state purchase and asked if I was on vacation---I told them no, and they said someone had tried to use my card number at a Rite Aid on the west coast!!!!  They declined the fraudulent transaction and immediately shut down the card, sent me a new one.  As a safeguard I changed my password and security question, and kept a close watch on all transactions. 

Now Identity Theft is a whole different ballgame, a co-worker had this happen and it was a very time consuming and expensive process to get that situation cleared up.  And I think the most common way for this to take place is to give out your social security number or a password through a fradulent email (phising) or phone call (someone calling pretending to be your bank verifying the information, even someone pretending to be from a well known charity etc)--

[Spurt]

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@Q4u wrote:

Unfortunately this is just the tip of the iceburg... but it does need to be addressed because you don't know when it's happening.  But also be very careful of on-line ordering and being hacked.  You can also be hacked via the ATM machines as well....

What I don't like are the quality of the wallets out there with RFID capability.  Card slots that are too small, Poor quality leather, wallets when full that don't close... etc. etc.  I finally found one I liked with a ton of room and decent (still not top quality) leather that I bought on-line.....

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@Q4u  Good point about the ATMs ---  one of the ATMs at my bank's drive through window had been compromised and a skimmer installed to capture debit card info and pin ....Thankfully I never use that ATM--...Scammers are everywhere and very clever and very bold!

Make sure the ATM is secure---Here are some good tips--

1. Cover your password with your hand

Hidden cameras are disguised so they can pick up your password. By protecting it, ATM thieves can't access your account.

2. Use familiar ATMs and limit your visits

ATMs in dimly lighted spots or used late at night could be more susceptible to fraud, while ATMs under video surveillance can be safer. Stay away from ATMs at retail stores or restaurants, adds Siciliano. Recently, skimming devices were found on ATMs in a popular grocery store in central Florida. Airports, convenience stores or kiosks are equally vulnerable to ATM thieves. Still, even highly trafficked ATMs outside a bank branch have been targeted by thieves.

Also, try to limit your visits to the ATM. "With frequency, there's risk," says Siciliano.

3. Check bank balances frequently

Given the two-day window for reporting fraud, it pays to check your account frequently. If you don't report fraud within 60 days, you have unlimited liability. "Sign up for alerts and notice unusual withdrawals," says Vamosi.

With credit cards there are more protections in place, and you can dispute charges."You have at least a billing cycle," says Siciliano.

4. Observe the ATM

Vamosi cautions consumers to look at an ATM to make sure a card slot is "legitimate and not tacked on." Look for things that strike you, he says. "Some people have felt that when they inserted their card, something went awry," he says. In that case, try another ATM.

When protecting your account against ATM thieves, "it's all about awareness, paying attention and understanding risks," says Sicilano. "There are 400,000 ATMs and every one of them is susceptible to fraud. The speed and convenience of technology has replaced the security of technology."

http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/4-tips-to-protect-you-from-atm-thieves-2.aspx

[Spurt]

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@Goldengate8361 wrote:

Sorry--but wrapping my cards in aluminum foil sounds like a terrible idea to me.....You'd have to re-wrap with new foil everytime--and it certainly wouldn't fit into my wallet (it'd crunch, etc.).

I bought some credit card RFID "sleeves" on Amazon that were very highly rated and were much cheaper than QVC. I think it's a smart thing to do--that's very, very easy.

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@Goldengate8361 well I'd be careful on Amazon, my credit card got hacked by someone at Amazon--- a friend suggested to use gift cards when purchasing from them.

[Q4u]

The ATM at the bank I frequent was compromised REMOTELY.  Hackers were able to get into the files, find account numbers and drained accounts~!     

[blankette]

I think aluminum foil would do the same thing if you were worried.

[debcakes]

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@justathought wrote:

My daughter told me to wrap my wallet/cards in foil, works the same way the RFID wallets do. 

I have done that and hope it

 is true. It was on facebook.

The sellers make it seem that there is a person on every corner, in every store and bank ready to steal our card #.s.

Just have to be careful when you use your cards, common sense?

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I also do this and lined the inside of my passport cover with the foil as well.

[tototwo]

If you'd ever had your identity stolen, you would understand.  I have.  It's been a long, legal, expensive ride trying to be "me" again.   There's more information on that magnetic credit card strip than your number.  Also, there is readable information  on your medical insurance card, your drivers' license, library card - any card you may carry in your purse.  I use an RFID folder for all my cards.   If you all want to laugh about it, go ahead.

[nomless]

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Consumer Reports also recommended making a sleeve using foil and duct tape.  I did so and the hand-made sleeve fits into the card slot in my wallet.  The card is just as easy to access.  Simple, quick solution.

[Lipstickdiva]

It's just like everytime they present diamonique, all the hosts lost their original diamond wedding sets or had them stolen.  I don't know 1 person who lost their original damond wedding set or had one stolen but many of the hosts have.  LOL

I hate these presentations because they use fear to get people to buy these items.  First of all, they rarely if ever make clear the fact that these sleeves or wallets will only work on the cards that have the chip in them. They will do nothing if you have a magnetic strip. 

Second of all, as others have pointed out, they continually talk about identity theft which is separate from credit card fraud.

Yesterday one of the hosts was presenting a wallet and started talking about retailers being hacked which also has absolutely nothing to do with these sleeves and wallets.

I don't have not even 1 card yet with the new chip in them.  All my cards have the magnetic strip. My debit card has been compromised more times than I can even count.  It seems as if I end up with a new card every 3 or 4 months.  It only happened 1 time when I used the card on-line.  Most of these thefts happen at gas stations.      

[songbird]

I've wrapped mine in foil.  Then I received a new via credit card with the chip in it.  I no longer bother.  More of a risk online then someone hovering over you hunting for a card.