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December 08, 2006
Credit Card RFID Chips - Consumers be Warned
In a press conference yesterday, Senator Charles Schumer announced his disapproval of RFID chips in credit cards. Senator Schumer’s thoughts reflect my own.
I have not signed up for any of these credit card offers or “tied my credit card” to gas station convenience RFID payment systems for the same reason echoed my Schumer.
What Senator Schumer said about RFID chips and credit cards:
May as well put your credit card information on a big sign on your back for identity thieves.
Why are RFID chips in a credit card a problem?
First of all you need to know what RFID stands for, it is Radio Frequency Identification
And let me tell you (and let Senator Schumer tell you as well), credit cards with RFID microchips transmit a signal that contains all your credit card information.
Which simply said: “You are carrying a radio broadcast containing all your personal and credit card information in your wallet.”
Identity thieves are no longer just sifting through your garbage looking for personal information, they are becoming technically savvy.
Think about this:
Radios have been around for a very long time and the technology of receiving a radio signal is very easy to reproduce. Yes, the signals sent from the RFID chips are very weak but picture this:
You are in a crowded shopping mall and your wallet is chained to your belt for security reasons. Heck, no thief is going to be able to reach into your pocket and steal your wallet! Heck no, there’s a chain attaching your wallet to your belt. Should a would be thief attempt to pick-pocket your wallet, you will know because your wallet is securely fastened to your belt.
Enter RFID microchips:
Now, your wallet is securely fastened to you. You think there is no chance anybody can rip you off.
Ok, now remember that you are in a crowded mall, maybe it’s a subway or any other crowded public place for that matter.
The identity thief now has to have only a radio receiver, maybe disguised as an iPod or any other typical electronic device and a moment to bump into you, make his apologies for rudely invading your space and voila; Your identity and credit information has been stolen.
Think about the potential for disaster here!
My feeling is life is simply not that busy to justify shaving off 12 seconds on the processing of your credit card to pay for merchandise. Heck, if you are that busy you shouldn’t be out shopping in the first place!
Also read RFID Right to Know Act here
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