Protect Your Finances:
How to Prevent RFID Fraud
Contactless payments are convenient but come with the risk of Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) skimming, a form of digital pickpocketing in which thieves steal your card details without even touching your wallet. Fortunately, you can protect yourself with a few simple precautions.
What is RFID Skimming?
Many modern credit and debit cards use RFID technology for tap-to-pay convenience. However, criminals with portable RFID readers can scan and steal your card details in crowded areas. Once stolen, this data can be cloned or used for online purchases.
The Best Defense: RFID-Blocking Wallets
RFID-blocking wallets prevent unauthorized scans by using materials that block RFID signals, offering an easy and effective security upgrade.
Why Use an RFID-Blocking Wallet?
- Prevents fraud before it happens – Stopping theft is easier than dealing with financial losses.
- Affordable security – An inexpensive way to protect sensitive information.
- Peace of mind – Whether traveling, shopping, or commuting, your cards stay safe.
Additional Ways to Protect Yourself
- Use RFID-Blocking Card Sleeves - If you prefer your current wallet, RFID-blocking sleeves shield individual cards from unauthorized scans.
- Stack Cards Together - Placing multiple RFID-enabled cards together creates signal interference, making scanning more difficult.
- Turn Off Contactless Payments - Some banks let you disable RFID functionality via their app or customer support, eliminating the risk of skimming.
- Use a Metal Wallet or Aluminum Foil - Metal blocks RFID signals—wrapping your cards in aluminum foil or using a metal cardholder is a quick and inexpensive alternative.
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings - Skimmers often operate in crowded areas. Pay attention in public transportation, malls, and busy streets. Keeping your wallet in a secure pocket or bag adds protection.
- Use a Privacy or Dummy Card - Placing a deactivated or RFID-blocking card in front of your active cards can help prevent scanning.
- Monitor Your Transactions Regularly - Even with precautions, regularly check your statements and set up instant transaction alerts to detect fraud early.
- Choose EMV Chip Transactions Over Contactless - Whenever possible, use EMV chip transactions instead of tap-to-pay. Chips encrypt data, making transactions more secure.
- Use Mobile Payment Apps Instead of Physical Cards - Apps like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay offer extra security through tokenization (one-time-use codes) and biometric authentication, making them safer than RFID-enabled cards.
Additionally, MyPoint’s Digital Wallet lets you securely store and use your MyPoint credit or debit card through your phone, adding another layer of protection without carrying a physical card. Since mobile wallets don’t transmit your actual card number, they make it harder for fraudsters to access your financial details.
RFID skimming is a real risk, but taking small steps—like using an RFID-blocking wallet, disabling tap-to-pay, or switching to mobile payments—can protect your financial data. Stay proactive and secure your transactions today!
