You may think of a pick pocket as a person that bumps into you to steal your wallet but now there is a different kind of pickpocket and its called electronic 
pickpocketing. How does this work? By using a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag which sends out electromagnetic waves, and can be bought on line, thieves can now walk up to you and download your credit card information without you knowing!
These tags when used properly, identify people, animals or objects, inventory tracking and will soon be coming to a grocery store scanner near you. This technology is a good thing but in the hands of thieves it can be devastating.
So how do you protect yourself from electronic pickpockets? Use plastic sleeves over your credit/debit cards. To read more on RFID devices please go to rfidjournal.com
Or to read more on the pickpocket story see it here: abclocal
Riley Jackson Real Estate Inc. - Olympia, WA
your Olympia area Realtor
I have to admit, this is the first time I've heard it this. It's truly startling. Thanks for the warning.
Jun 17, 2010 02:03 PM
Cedar Rapids/Iowa City, IA KW Legacy Group - Cedar Rapids, IA
Relocation Specialist in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Wow, the criminals just keep one step ahead of everyone else don't they? All these high tech gadgets that in the wrong hands, prove to be devestating. I also read somewhere that you should never turn back in your hotel key cards. They have all of your personal and credit card info as well. Thanks for the tip!
Keep smiling,
Karen
Jun 17, 2010 02:13 PM
eXp Realty - Atlanta, GA
"Knowledge & Experience Working for You"
OMG!!! Yes I said the oh so popular phrase our tweens can't seem to keep out of their vocabulary these days.....
Anyway- this is so (xxxplicit, xxxplicit) CRAZEE! I mean really; what's next??? I have recently stopped using my debit card as frequently as I used to and started paying cash for most of my everyday items (INCLUDING GAS)! I despise getting out of the car and going into the cashier to pay gas, but I've been reading a lot of horror stories lately and I want NO part of any of it. I'm even skeptical about using my debit card at the ATM. Lately, I've been going into the bank and taking out the amount of cash I think I will need for the week.
It's frustrating and tedious, but I feel it's something I have to do to protect my identity.
Jun 17, 2010 02:26 PM
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones
God morning Dee,
If you are traveling the same goes for your Passports..a good way for those thieves to snatch your identity!
Jun 17, 2010 11:54 PM
Covina, CA
San Gabriel Valley, CA
Sandy,
You are welcome, and now that you do know something about it, please pass it on and help warn others as well.
Karen,
We have to be ever so careful with our personal information and protect it from anyone who does not have a legitimate reason why they should have it. I heard the rumor about hotel key cards too, but its just a rumor. Recently I was watching a CNN/Clark Howard show and the topic of hotel keys came up, see what he had to say here: key cards
Adell,
It is scary isn't it, to think that thieves can help themselves to our personal information without us knowing. But we can protect ourselves not only by covering our credit/debit cards up with a plastic sleeve, but also by paying attention to the purchase receipts and use them to check our billing statement. It is frustrating and tedious as you said but that's the price we pay for convenience.
Hello Dorie,
You are right, passports, badges and anything that uses the RFID technology.
Jun 18, 2010 08:49 AM
First Weber Hedeman Group - Monroe, WI
SRES
When will it end, the things that people do to steal. If they only would use their talent for good.
Jun 21, 2010 05:21 AM
Covina, CA
San Gabriel Valley, CA
Scott,
I couldn't agree more. Can you imagine an earth without thieves! It would be a better world in which each person respect others and their property.
Jun 21, 2010 09:46 AM
Homesmart ~ Scottsdale ~ Tempe - Tempe, AZ
Phoenix Arizona Real Estate ~
Hi Dee, Is this happening with plain credit cards? I had no idea they had a chip in them. These thieves could get your info standing next to you when you pay at the cashier! I agree with Adell, it's safer to use cash, but what a pain. I've had a couple of credit cards/numbers stolen in the last few years. It is not fun.
Jun 30, 2010 07:12 PM
Covina, CA
San Gabriel Valley, CA
Apparently so, if they are not protected by a plastic sleeve and if the theft has in his possession on of those RFID devices. So be careful.
Jul 01, 2010 01:02 PM
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