9OYS Consumer Watch
Credit card crooks want your cash, how to protect yourself
Reporter: Cory Marshall
TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - Picture this: Crooks stealing your debit card information while the card is still in your wallet? Impossible? Nope.
"What people need to realize is that as we get into the credit cards that have RFID chips in them, that those need to be protected more than those that just have magnetic strips," Evidence Solutions CEO, Scott Greene said.
RFID chips transmit card information. Pay-pass type cards and cell phones also have them.
However, some cell phone apps can turns such phones into receivers, allowing a thief to snag your card information even if the card never leaves your pocket or purse.
"One of the best things you can do is never leave [your card] laying around," Greene said.
Nine On Your Side did a quick search and within seconds, several RFID apps popped up and they're perfectly legal.
Tucson resident Donna Walker had her card info stolen last month. While Donna and her debit card were in Phoenix, a thief was on a $200 shopping spree in Pennsylvania, using her information.
"It just kind of makes you feel creepy because someone stole your information," Walker said.
Of course, electronic pick-pocketing is not the only way a thief can snag your info. Donna doesn't know whether her old card had the RFID chip.
Whether your card has a chip or not, pay close attention to your credit and debit card statements.
"You just have to be aware," Walker said.
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