💳 Paying for something online with your credit card? This is the least secure way to pay for something. Use a VPN to secure the transaction if you are on any kind of public WiFi connection (even if it has a password)! I have been a paying customer of NordVPN for over 5 years now: go.nordvpn.net/aff_c?offer_id=427&aff_id=31324&source=RUclips 🔐 Got a wallet or purse or passport holder without RFID protection? No problemo. These RFID-blocking sleeves will do the trick: amzn.to/3nYHFIk 💵 Need a slim minimalist RFID-Blocking Wallet? I ADORE this one: amzn.to/40bhifv If you want something new, Pacsafe makes AMAZING anti-theft gear! I have been using their stuff for over 10 years: alnk.to/dLeMiWz
I have paper credit card sleeves that I have been using for several years. Recently I began to wonder if they really worked, so the last time I used my credit card, I kept it in the sleeve and used the tap method for payment. Guess what? The sleeve worked! I tapped my card on the machine and nothing happened, so I removed the card and tried again, and the card registered. Great for peace of mind.
I also suggest having your financial institution send you a text message/email every time your credit card or ATM card is used. This is the fastest way to discover that a card may have been compromised.
I have this feature enabled. It can be a pain when you’re leaving your mobile banking and then have Face ID see you’re still there and you get another alert. I’d rather have too much than not enough, however.
Someone used my credit card on Christmas Eve last year. I assume they were hoping the card owner was busy shopping or doing other holiday activities. But I was sitting & looked to see who texted me. I immediately locked the card then reported it. So grateful I had set up text alerts.
Yes, RFID theft is real and blockers are needed if you want to be safe. The good news is that getting accessories to stop the theft of your data and block these scanners is easy and there are many wallets and purses available and reasonably priced. So do yourself a favor and use them.
At Gas Stations: the police in my town checked every gas pump for CC skimming. They found several & all were placed on pumps furtherest away from the office/convenience store.
My mom’s credit card was recently used in Guatemala multiple times despite her not using the credit card in stores for months and never online, she never visited Guatemala or surrounding countries. The card has been simply sitting in her wallet. It looks like someone with the card reader captured the information while she was out shopping. I purchased multiple RFID blocking cards for her and mine wallet now. 🤞🏻
When using an atm try to use one that is attached to a bank rather than a stand alone machine if you can. That way if there is a problem with the machine you can go directly into the bank to try to resolve the problem. On a trip to Southeast India in 2019 I used an atm attached to bank late in the day to get money as I was travelling to some small communities for a few day and was not sure about access to my bank accounts. The atm provided the money I requested but did not return my Visa card. The next morning I visited the bank once they were open for the day. I explained what had happened and they sent a security guard out to open the machine. When he returned he had a handful of probably 30 or so cards that the machine had not returned. Showed them my passport and they returned my Visa card. Had the atm been a stand alone machine it would have been much hard if not impossible to get my card returned and certainly no way as quickly
I'm so glad I found your channel!! I haven't traveled to Europe since the early '90s and your informative videos have helped me get ready for travel in a more digital world. Thank you!
This is an excellent explanation. I feel the same about safe vs sorry and I had the same reservations about Google Pay until I watched this. For debit cards - cover your hand and the keypad while entering your PIN. Someone with access to both the security camera footage AND the payment system can piece together the transaction with the PIN if they can see it. I recommend using the VPN kill switch setting (will disable wifi if VPN is disconnected) and manually turning off wifi and Bluetooth anytime you're not actively using it. Just discovered this channel, thanks for the great info!
Thanks for the tips! I'm curious why it's important to turn off WiFi and Bluetooth when not using them. If I'm not connected to a network (and I adjust my settings so I'm not "discoverable"), what is the risk?
I just love your videos! Always helpful. I bought an RFID wallet because like you why not. My niece works in Ottawa at the CTC centre and they use a swipe card that the company loads tips onto. She had her tips disappear off her card. She ended up getting the money reimbursed but she now keeps her card in and RFID cover.
I used to test RFID stuff for US Government Standards, so I have some background. Yes! RFID skimming is real, and yes, RFID blocking is a real thing and good to use. Yes, tin foil works, and simply putting a dollar-sized piece of tin foil in your wallet with your bills is as good as 99% of the RFID-safe wallets you can buy (as long as the card is completely covered on at least one side, you are good. If you don't have a blocking sleeve or a wallet, lining a pocket in your wallet or purse with tin foil is decent protection. If you buy RFID blocking sleeves, wallets, or purses, they should have been tested by a reputable laboratory to the US FIPS 201 standard. They will not be able to be certified because they are not for protecting US gov IDs, but a lot of the best suppliers have their protection tested to the standard and have the lab write a compliance letter. Also, because one card can interfere with others, having several cards sandwiched together in your wallet provides some protection.
@@lisam7770 From a technical standpoint for RF use ,or skimming, there seems to be no difference. Same stuff. I was not able to find any relevant info calin gout metal v plastic cards. Strange, they may put the antenna outside of the metal under a plastic film, I have not had one to deconstruct as they were never used for the work I did.
I believe on Dateline they had a special a couple years ago where people would stand behind you with a very easily acquired infrared camera and watch which Keys you press. Instead of using the tip of your finger use your fingernail or lay your entire hand across the before or after you start touching things it will warm up the keypad confounding this method as well
Working as a switchboard operator, for a bank and trust co, I hear first hand or the horrors of debit/ credit card fraud. I will now consider doing contactless transactions , along with still using the RFID sleeves.
I had all three cards RFID hacked in the MSP airport. Luckily the CC companies caught it. Probably better not taking a debit card, the potential bank account drain is not worth it.
Thank you for all your tips! I bought the Buffway for a recent trip abroad and love it so much. Actually, I bought two: one for the credit and debit cards and one for other cards that are not used frequently. I also purchased a crossbody bag with an RFID pocket for my passport. It gave me great peace of mind, especially because there had been fraudulent activity on my credit card about a month before the trip. I was in a take-no-chances mindset. The information on your channel was what I relied on to get organized for the trip.
Sorry… what Is the Buffway? Im traveling to South America for an extend time.. need help to be sure I am protected throughout! Any help is so appreciated.
Agree to downloading CC apps for monitoring. You can also set notifications on most all cards to send text of any transactions, giving you the earliest warning of unauthorized transactions. Enjoy your videos!
Agree! I have every card notify me of every purchase. You can also set a minimum for that notification, like anything over $50 or similar. I also have a max spending limit set for each card, and can easily change it on the spot with the app for a major purchase, then reset it back for security.
Thank you for this clear assessment on credit/atm card safety. I'm traveling abroad in a few days and was shopping for RFID money belts and compact wallets. Found so much (too much) information about whether RFID protection is worth paying for...both pro and cons. But you summed it up succinctly, "...there's no downside to doing it but there could be a downside to not doing it". Very helpful information...thank you!
Good stuff especially the concise and clear explanation of the various methods to pay. I used to use RFID blocking sleeves but found them cumbersome for the risk. I do use a neck wallet for passport and all cards when in transit but not for everyday use when traveling. I may rethink the protection for as you say nobody wants to deal with CC theft when traveling.
I, too, think the sleeves are cumbersome. I bought the grid cards instead. I chose the one that the sharks on Shark Tank fought to buy. There are many brands, but I went with one I knew about.
Even locals just shopping at your usual shopping center are at risk. My friend was out doing her shopping and someone must have had a card reading machine and the first time she heard about it was when her bank notified her about suspicious activity on her card. I have an RFID wallet and now a handbag with RFID just to go out normally these days.
While the possibility that someone is skimming your RFID card details is slim, it’s for sure not non-existing, therefore protection against it is always advisable. Where you don’t need it is for your phone because a payment needs to actively enabled by pressing a button or series a buttons. Not so with the credit card, as soon as you near your card to a reader (or a mobile reader to your card), the reader will activate the card and it starts responding, no further interaction needed.
Something I didn't hear you say about online purchases: the *most secure way, if you have to enter a CC# into a web site, is to use a card that has the ability to generate one-time-use (aka "Virtual") card numbers for this purpose. It's not your real card # so your card itself isn't compromised - and the number can only be used once - so if it's intercepted, it's not of much use to a thief.
Thank you for your time and posting. I remember going to the 1976 Winter Olympics at Innsbrook Austria (small plug) and getting American Express Traveler Checks and hoping they weren't going to get stolen. Also, someone suggested putting in the wrong code and if it works, it has a faky thing on it. You can always re-enter the correct code if it doesn't work.
@@NoraDunn I was living in Nuremberg, Bavaria, Germany (US Army). American Express was offering veterans a super package. You stayed at someone's home in Innsbruck for two weeks and the train fair for $500. Then I paid for the events I wanted to go to. It was fantastic. I still have some fantastic pictures. Bonus brag: I toured the Neuschwanstein Castle in Southern Germany in 1976. Back then the tours went way inside the castle. This castle is what Walt Disney replicated for the Disneyland Sleeping Beauty Castle. :)
A few years ago I was on an escalator on a busy train network. There was a lot of pushing and someone with a briefcase pressed against my wallet very hard actually which was in my back pants pocket. The wallet at the time did not have RFID blocking. The next day a number of fraudulent transactions were recorded. I did not think much of it but the briefcase may have had a reader in it. This was a few years ago and has never happened again.
I use RFID blocking sleeves on my cards and also keep my wallet in a Faraday belt bag. I used the sleeves because at some point I have to remove my wallet from my bag which exposes my cards to theft. Better safe that sorry.
I don’t know anyone who HAS NOT been the victim of some sort of credit card theft/scam. I had my entire identity stolen and thousands of dollars stolen out of my account a little over a year ago but that was when my actual purse was stolen (my car window was smashed). However, I have had my credit cards compromised multiple times over the years. One place near my home where this has happened to lots of people I know is our local Target. Now I keep all my cards in an RFID blocking wallet and pay with Apple Pay whenever possible. I’d like to know more about VPNs. That’s my next step.
So your purse was locked in an empty car? I remember years ago seeing a local news report where thieves were at the mall parking lot during Christmas just to see if a woman left her car without a purse, then they’d know that was the car to hit. I think gyms are also popular for that scheme. Made me paranoid about it and never did it again! My dad always said the shame was that with all the trouble thieves went to for stealing and usually getting so little, they probably could’ve cured cancer by now…
@@leapintothewild I “hid” my purse under my seat and it was at a state park where I walked basically every day for the previous 25 years. The bank manager in the next state where they stole so much of my money told me that they made a real drivers license with someone else’s photo on it. He said that the FBI was investigating this group for 20 years and has been unable to catch them. I say liars! Because they had photos of the women, the car license plates, etc. Also they were able to get a sit of all accounts in that bank with my name on them, and nobody would give them that so casually, even with the fake drivers license. They said that one woman was driving and there was an “old lady” next to her and the driver told the bank worker in the window, “that’s Vivian, she can’t talk.” Excuse me, the account with all the money was a business account. A medical practice. How can someone who can’t talk be a doctor in private practice? I think the bank employees are in on it as well, at least the one who gave a list of the accounts.
@@vtcs1963 What a horrible, stressful situation - and so frustrating they didn’t get caught!! Very fishy about the bank, too. I’m a hiker and switched to a teeny wallet I carabiner to my sports bra so it’s always on me, even when I’m tent camping and not in my truck. It’s a freaking pain, but I know locals like to target vehicles at trailheads, assuming they’ll find something like a purse no one takes on the trail. Happens repeatedly, yet cops and rangers STILL don’t increase patrols!
@@leapintothewild thanks. I now carry my stuff with me and if I do have anything at all I lock it in the trunk before I leave so it’s not visible. But I just take my phone and my sunglasses and car key - and my new puppy - and leave everything else home.
Hello Nora, the fact that the US government gives you a RFI protection sleeve for for nexus card should lead one to believe RFI skimming is a real threat. I got one with my original Nexus card and then with the renewal card.
Thank you so much, Nora! I think your channel is great even though I haven't gone to Europe since 1998!!! But I've been to the Caribbean, LOL! Hoping to travel soon!
I asked ChatGPT if RFID theft is a real thing. Overall, while RFID theft is a genuine concern, the prevalence of such incidents has diminished with improved security measures in newer RFID systems. I'm with you Nora. Team "use protection" even if the chances of catching something has been "diminished".
Skimming cards allows for more money to be taken with less risk vs RFID hence why it's been the go to method. Once you have the details, you can hit an ATM using the chip & pin while covering your face. RFID involves going into the store to make a limited purchase & then on top, the contactless payment amount is limited. In the UK it was capped to £45 per use until the end of 2021 (now been upped to £100.) Multiple uses in short order end up triggering a pin authentication check. It's simply not been worth the hassle for these card gangs/groups to engage in RFID because the payback is so little. However with limits slowly being increased, ATM's now going contactless etc, it's going to become a far more appealing prospect.
Um - so the first two things I read created by chat gpt in my own profession (psychiatry) were totally wrong. My student told me she asked chat gpt to write a paper for her, thinking she could just use the references and write her own paper - and none of the references actually existed. Be careful. Be very careful.
Thanks Ginger! The jacket is made by Anatomie - a company that makes designer travel clothing for women. I have a ton of their stuff; really great for travel, super comfy and stylish, and made from a unique ultralight stretchy material that I've never found anywhere else. Before you get sticker shock - their "essential" items come with a lifetime guarantee. Here's the jacket link: bit.ly/3hntiKg Here's more info about Anatomie and some of their other stuff I have: www.theprofessionalhobo.com/my-travel-capsule-wardrobe-best-wrinkle-free-travel-clothes-for-women/ Use the discount code NORA20 for $20 off orders of $120 or more!
@@NoraDunn Thanks so much for the reply - it is really cool. You also have me wanting to try the Skylar pants from them. And I just ordered a Scottevest after seeing one of your videos. I had been eyeing it already, but you made me pull the trigger :) I'm trying to pack for 3 months in Europe in only one underseat roller (Verage 14-inch compact, amazon ... looked hard for something that checked all the boxes and I think this finally does - size, weight, wheels, etc) and a 20L backpack (Peak Gear Foldable Backpack, amazon). I think I'll do it - thanks in large part to your tips! So glad I found your channel.
@@gingermichelle Wow - thank you so much Ginger! Your trip sounds amazing, and I'm SOOOOO glad my content has helped you do it in (carry on) style! Happy travels! Drop a comment and let us know how it went!
Online double check security system with principal bank of family > one-time code and security question. Only possible with shops linked with principal bank security system. Btw nearly none oline shopping and if so, in general only at home with fixed computer (no use of mobile device). I prefer shopping in store, pay cash. Physical use > swipe/scan technically impossible, always pin needed (limit). Withdraw only direct at bank counter in person possible. Old school, but safe. When travelling, personal bank consultant is always informed about it. Btw I live in French-Polynesia. Here online shopping is not common. People like to shop in store, see all goods, talk to people, questions/problems can be solved at place. We simply like to interact with other people in person. 🌴🏖😎
In French-Polynesia all major credit cards are accepted in most restaurants/shops/supermarkets. But there can be a minimum amount of 1000 CFP (8,38 €) or 10 US $. Beyond that at some places A...card is not accepted at all. There are a lot of food trucks around all islands - at most of them you can only pay cash. It's very rare, that they accept credit card. At local fruit stands which you find everywhere, only cash. Note: French-Polynesia currency (CFP) is available at counter at international airport Papeete,Tahiti (main island). On bigger islands you can find ATMs in main villages. You can also get currency changed at banks. Note: You cannot get CFP outside of French-Polynesia. Hope, information helps.
Does Apple Pay or Google Pay work with your home country phone number or, will it continue to work if you use the guest country sim and phone number? Preparing for a SE Asian trip. Thank you for sharing your invaluable travel tips.
For online purchases I have a specific card that I set the credit limit to $500. I dont worry now. Also my bank has a feature where I am notified for every transaction I make. If something comes across my phone I know if its my transaction or fraud.
Is there a risk of something like a building pass being compromised by one of these scanners? Is this something to be concerned about ? What information (if any) could they get? And secondly.. is there any risk of a card being compromised by one of these RFID scanners if the card has a magnetic strip only ? (No chip). This is a real worry. Thankyou for covering this.
@@NoraDunn Thankyou for responding, I really appreciate it. Yes, my understanding is that cards with a magnetic strip only, cannot be accessed this way. Hopefully that is the case.
I Don't use my Cell Phone for any type of banking or Cash Payments and I never will! I leave all Credit Cards & Bank Card at home unless I Need one for a reason for that day.
Interesting video, and thanks... One side thing to do is take and use a separate account and transfer money to its as you need before using just that card. if it is going to happen its better to be a sister account with a little money in than your main account
I am watching these videos because my card got scanned while in my butt pocket wallet. YES, its a real thing. YES, people can steal from you without you taking your wallet out.
🔐 Got a wallet or purse or passport holder without RFID protection? No problemo. These RFID-blocking sleeves will do the trick: amzn.to/3nYHFIk 💵 Need a slim minimalist RFID-Blocking Wallet? I ADORE this one: amzn.to/40bhifv
I disagree with using bank apps on your phone. There are cases where thieves have been able to get into someone’s phone and transfer all their money out. If you don’t have the app, they can’t do that.
You think so? I thought so too, for a while, but I changed my mind. They'd have to get through multiple layers of authentication. The authentication to unlock the phone (either face ID or passcode). Then to open a bank app they'd have to get through the 2-factor authentication for each app. Besides which, if my phone is stolen, I can erase it remotely so nobody could do that anyway.
@@NoraDunn I guess you haven’t seen the cases here in nyc where they drugged and kidnapped people. Then used their face to open their phones. Through the banking apps, they transferred tens of thousands of dollars to themselves and then they murdered the victims. But hey, it’s your phone. Oh, and the two factor authentication. The code is texted to the same phone the thieves are accessing your account from. So the thieves are already in your phone and they get the code. They don’t even need to copy and paste. There’s a Wall Street Journal video on this. Scary.
@@NoraDunn Except if it’s an iPhone and they’ve watched you use a code, they immediately change your Apple ID so you lose access to the cloud, find your phone, etc. I’ve seen multiple reports recently about this apple flaw, and there are extra steps you can set up so they can’t, but it’s not automatic. But what I really picked up is that you should cover your phone when entering any codes, just like you showed while using the atm! I swear, it gets old having to be paranoid…
My background is payment processing and banking. The chances of this theft without them just stealing your card is very very slim. Personal information isn’t on your card other than your card number. The simple way to say it, is it’s just codes that talk to one another. This sequence changes constantly. RFID blocking works to just reduce those radio waves but it’s a solution in search of a problem.
I know testers That check them & I'm told the card sleeves don't do much at all... you are better off to buy a RFID/NFC Blocking Card for your Wallet for Card Scan Protection as it stops readers from scanning your cards!
💳 Paying for something online with your credit card? This is the least secure way to pay for something. Use a VPN to secure the transaction if you are on any kind of public WiFi connection (even if it has a password)!
I have been a paying customer of NordVPN for over 5 years now: go.nordvpn.net/aff_c?offer_id=427&aff_id=31324&source=RUclips
🔐 Got a wallet or purse or passport holder without RFID protection? No problemo. These RFID-blocking sleeves will do the trick: amzn.to/3nYHFIk
💵 Need a slim minimalist RFID-Blocking Wallet? I ADORE this one: amzn.to/40bhifv
If you want something new, Pacsafe makes AMAZING anti-theft gear! I have been using their stuff for over 10 years: alnk.to/dLeMiWz
@@HoolyDooly-si2zz Thanks for sharing!
I have paper credit card sleeves that I have been using for several years. Recently I began to wonder if they really worked, so the last time I used my credit card, I kept it in the sleeve and used the tap method for payment. Guess what? The sleeve worked! I tapped my card on the machine and nothing happened, so I removed the card and tried again, and the card registered. Great for peace of mind.
Glad you tried it and it worked, Susan! Always good to test gizmos like this out for effectiveness.
I also suggest having your financial institution send you a text message/email every time your credit card or ATM card is used. This is the fastest way to discover that a card may have been compromised.
Great tip, Leonard!
I have this feature enabled. It can be a pain when you’re leaving your mobile banking and then have Face ID see you’re still there and you get another alert. I’d rather have too much than not enough, however.
@@morethanmeetstheeye1355 Ditto!
Someone used my credit card on Christmas Eve last year. I assume they were hoping the card owner was busy shopping or doing other holiday activities. But I was sitting & looked to see who texted me. I immediately locked the card then reported it. So grateful I had set up text alerts.
And set the alert at a very low amount. While day to day, I’ll have one level, when I travel, it gets lowered to pennies
Yes, RFID theft is real and blockers are needed if you want to be safe. The good news is that getting accessories to stop the theft of your data and block these scanners is easy and there are many wallets and purses available and reasonably priced. So do yourself a favor and use them.
Thanks Bravo! Agreed.
At Gas Stations: the police in my town checked every gas pump for CC skimming. They found several & all were placed on pumps furtherest away from the office/convenience store.
Great tip! That would make sense that they're installed on the pumps furthest from scrutiny.
My mom’s credit card was recently used in Guatemala multiple times despite her not using the credit card in stores for months and never online, she never visited Guatemala or surrounding countries. The card has been simply sitting in her wallet. It looks like someone with the card reader captured the information while she was out shopping. I purchased multiple RFID blocking cards for her and mine wallet now. 🤞🏻
Thanks for sharing! Interesting story.
Use them for your debit cards as well. Someone used mine Debit card at Walmart and took $197 out of my checking account.
@@sct4040 Wow! Did you get the money back from the bank?
Where can I get them?
@@lindamastropietro4429Amazon
When using an atm try to use one that is attached to a bank rather than a stand alone machine if you can. That way if there is a problem with the machine you can go directly into the bank to try to resolve the problem. On a trip to Southeast India in 2019 I used an atm attached to bank late in the day to get money as I was travelling to some small communities for a few day and was not sure about access to my bank accounts. The atm provided the money I requested but did not return my Visa card. The next morning I visited the bank once they were open for the day. I explained what had happened and they sent a security guard out to open the machine. When he returned he had a handful of probably 30 or so cards that the machine had not returned. Showed them my passport and they returned my Visa card. Had the atm been a stand alone machine it would have been much hard if not impossible to get my card returned and certainly no way as quickly
Wow! I'm glad you got your card back! Good on you for using a Bank ATM.
That happened to me in Thailand and the bank employee simply held up a handfull of ATM cards and let me pick mine out, No ID required.
@@bruce6641 That's hilarious!
This happened to me at my home bank
I'm so glad I found your channel!! I haven't traveled to Europe since the early '90s and your informative videos have helped me get ready for travel in a more digital world. Thank you!
Thank you so much, Jean!
This is an excellent explanation. I feel the same about safe vs sorry and I had the same reservations about Google Pay until I watched this. For debit cards - cover your hand and the keypad while entering your PIN. Someone with access to both the security camera footage AND the payment system can piece together the transaction with the PIN if they can see it. I recommend using the VPN kill switch setting (will disable wifi if VPN is disconnected) and manually turning off wifi and Bluetooth anytime you're not actively using it. Just discovered this channel, thanks for the great info!
Thanks for the tips! I'm curious why it's important to turn off WiFi and Bluetooth when not using them. If I'm not connected to a network (and I adjust my settings so I'm not "discoverable"), what is the risk?
I just love your videos! Always helpful. I bought an RFID wallet because like you why not. My niece works in Ottawa at the CTC centre and they use a swipe card that the company loads tips onto. She had her tips disappear off her card. She ended up getting the money reimbursed but she now keeps her card in and RFID cover.
Yikes! Glad she got reimbursed. (And thank you for your kind words and for watching) :-)
I used to test RFID stuff for US Government Standards, so I have some background. Yes! RFID skimming is real, and yes, RFID blocking is a real thing and good to use.
Yes, tin foil works, and simply putting a dollar-sized piece of tin foil in your wallet with your bills is as good as 99% of the RFID-safe wallets you can buy (as long as the card is completely covered on at least one side, you are good. If you don't have a blocking sleeve or a wallet, lining a pocket in your wallet or purse with tin foil is decent protection.
If you buy RFID blocking sleeves, wallets, or purses, they should have been tested by a reputable laboratory to the US FIPS 201 standard. They will not be able to be certified because they are not for protecting US gov IDs, but a lot of the best suppliers have their protection tested to the standard and have the lab write a compliance letter.
Also, because one card can interfere with others, having several cards sandwiched together in your wallet provides some protection.
Thanks for the intel! Super helpful!
What are your thoughts about metal cards. Venture has one.
@@lisam7770 From a technical standpoint for RF use ,or skimming, there seems to be no difference. Same stuff. I was not able to find any relevant info calin gout metal v plastic cards. Strange, they may put the antenna outside of the metal under a plastic film, I have not had one to deconstruct as they were never used for the work I did.
When I’m doubt use extra protection.
Absolutely!
Agree! Better safe than sorry has always been my motto in life! 😄
This was very helpful. I was equally confused but when in doubt my mantra is to better use the safeguard than to call it a scam.
Exactly! Better safe than sorry. :-)
I believe on Dateline they had a special a couple years ago where people would stand behind you with a very easily acquired infrared camera and watch which Keys you press. Instead of using the tip of your finger use your fingernail or lay your entire hand across the before or after you start touching things it will warm up the keypad confounding this method as well
Ooh - great suggestion! I didn't know about the infrared thing. Yikes!
Working as a switchboard operator, for a bank and trust co, I hear first hand or the horrors of debit/ credit card fraud. I will now consider doing contactless transactions , along with still using the RFID sleeves.
Thanks! Yes, who knew contactless transactions were the way to go!
Sounds like one should use RFID protection at all times including while at home and not travelling abroad
Ha! I agree that all measures we take from a travel security perspective are equally applicable at home as abroad!
I had all three cards RFID hacked in the MSP airport. Luckily the CC companies caught it. Probably better not taking a debit card, the potential bank account drain is not worth it.
Thank you for all your tips! I bought the Buffway for a recent trip abroad and love it so much. Actually, I bought two: one for the credit and debit cards and one for other cards that are not used frequently. I also purchased a crossbody bag with an RFID pocket for my passport. It gave me great peace of mind, especially because there had been fraudulent activity on my credit card about a month before the trip. I was in a take-no-chances mindset. The information on your channel was what I relied on to get organized for the trip.
Wow - thanks Melissa! I'm sooooo glad my info has been so useful for you!
Sorry… what Is the Buffway?
Im traveling to South America for an extend time.. need help to be sure I am protected throughout!
Any help is so appreciated.
Agree to downloading CC apps for monitoring. You can also set notifications on most all cards to send text of any transactions, giving you the earliest warning of unauthorized transactions.
Enjoy your videos!
Great tip, Marsha!
Agree! I have every card notify me of every purchase. You can also set a minimum for that notification, like anything over $50 or similar. I also have a max spending limit set for each card, and can easily change it on the spot with the app for a major purchase, then reset it back for security.
@@leapintothewild Great tip!
@@leapintothewildow does one go about making these parameters on their cards? Is it as easy as calling the number on the back of each card?
@@morethanmeetstheeye1355 You can control these settings with most credit card apps or websites.
Thank you for this clear assessment on credit/atm card safety. I'm traveling abroad in a few days and was shopping for RFID money belts and compact wallets. Found so much (too much) information about whether RFID protection is worth paying for...both pro and cons.
But you summed it up succinctly, "...there's no downside to doing it but there could be a downside to not doing it".
Very helpful information...thank you!
I'm so glad this was helpful! Happy travels.
Good stuff especially the concise and clear explanation of the various methods to pay. I used to use RFID blocking sleeves but found them cumbersome for the risk. I do use a neck wallet for passport and all cards when in transit but not for everyday use when traveling. I may rethink the protection for as you say nobody wants to deal with CC theft when traveling.
Thanks! Glad my content is helping you to reexamine your systems.
I, too, think the sleeves are cumbersome. I bought the grid cards instead. I chose the one that the sharks on Shark Tank fought to buy. There are many brands, but I went with one I knew about.
@@morethanmeetstheeye1355 Ooh - I'll have to look into the grid cards!
Thank you. You Re enforced what I learned before. I use a Vault card to block RFID scams.
Nice!
Thanks for the RFID theft update, I knew of it but I think I will get some card/passport blocker sleeves as a precaution.
Thanks Dave!
Even locals just shopping at your usual shopping center are at risk. My friend was out doing her shopping and someone must have had a card reading machine and the first time she heard about it was when her bank notified her about suspicious activity on her card. I have an RFID wallet and now a handbag with RFID just to go out normally these days.
Same here! I use RFID 100% of the time, at home and abroad.
Lots of info here for credit card and personal information safety! Thanks again Nora!
THanks Rita!
I firmly believe in RFID. Thanks for confirming doesn’t hurt for sure.👍🏼💥
yay! Thanks :-)
While the possibility that someone is skimming your RFID card details is slim, it’s for sure not non-existing, therefore protection against it is always advisable. Where you don’t need it is for your phone because a payment needs to actively enabled by pressing a button or series a buttons. Not so with the credit card, as soon as you near your card to a reader (or a mobile reader to your card), the reader will activate the card and it starts responding, no further interaction needed.
Yep! This is why I now use payments with my phone as much as possible. I wasn't aware until I started doing the research for this video!
WOW! Thanks for all the great info so well explained.❤
Glad it was helpful!
ATMs in my country allow you only to perform one operation in contactless mode. After that it kicks your account out. it is way safer.
Good to know!
Great info. Thank you!!!
You're welcome!
Wow , that was a lot of excellent information. Thanks Nora , you're a genius.
Thanks Grant!
Something I didn't hear you say about online purchases: the *most secure way, if you have to enter a CC# into a web site, is to use a card that has the ability to generate one-time-use (aka "Virtual") card numbers for this purpose. It's not your real card # so your card itself isn't compromised - and the number can only be used once - so if it's intercepted, it's not of much use to a thief.
Great tip!
Thank you for your time and posting. I remember going to the 1976 Winter Olympics at Innsbrook Austria (small plug) and getting American Express Traveler Checks and hoping they weren't going to get stolen. Also, someone suggested putting in the wrong code and if it works, it has a faky thing on it. You can always re-enter the correct code if it doesn't work.
Interesting about the code thing!
But also - you went to the Olympics???? Time to humble brag! What brought you there?
@@NoraDunn I was living in Nuremberg, Bavaria, Germany (US Army). American Express was offering veterans a super package. You stayed at someone's home in Innsbruck for two weeks and the train fair for $500. Then I paid for the events I wanted to go to. It was fantastic. I still have some fantastic pictures. Bonus brag: I toured the Neuschwanstein Castle in Southern Germany in 1976. Back then the tours went way inside the castle. This castle is what Walt Disney replicated for the Disneyland Sleeping Beauty Castle. :)
@@Mr.DJones Amazing!
Good information, especially the precise and understandable breakdown of the various payment options. Great content as always. Thank you for the tips.
Thanks Keith!
@@NoraDunn ❤❤❤
I usually wipe my finger across all the keys at the ATM, after I see the transaction complete message.
Interesting!
Great videos Nora! Thank you so much.
Thank you Antony!
Great video. Very helpful.🎉
Glad it was helpful!
Jacket is a great idea for valuables
Thanks! Glad you agree :-)
I would rather be safe than sorry. It is a VERY small thing to do, to give me peace of mind!😊
I agree!
Cold hard cash is the best way to make purchases at restaurants, supermarkets, everywhere you go.
If you can. Where I am, more and more places are going "cashless". They won't even accept the exact amount in cash. Credit or debit cards only.
@@chrystinafoxdale4941
I guess those places are trying to stop their cashier workers from pocketing some cash. 😆
Except it isn't. It's proven to be the worst as the video advises, but never let cold hard facts get in the way of a completely unfounded opinion.
Great video tips!
Wow - thank you for your support! Happy Travels :-)
A few years ago I was on an escalator on a busy train network. There was a lot of pushing and someone with a briefcase pressed against my wallet very hard actually which was in my back pants pocket. The wallet at the time did not have RFID blocking. The next day a number of fraudulent transactions were recorded. I did not think much of it but the briefcase may have had a reader in it. This was a few years ago and has never happened again.
Wow! Yep, sounds like RFID theft.
Nice job….your a pro😊!
Ha! Thanks :-)
I use RFID blocking sleeves on my cards and also keep my wallet in a Faraday belt bag. I used the sleeves because at some point I have to remove my wallet from my bag which exposes my cards to theft. Better safe that sorry.
I agree - better safe than sorry!
@@NoraDunn I’ve learned so much over the past year watching your channel. Thank you
@@infinite0Loop You're welcome. And Thank YOU for watching!
Where can I get the RFID blocking sleeves?
@@tomgolab3958Amazon
I don’t know anyone who HAS NOT been the victim of some sort of credit card theft/scam. I had my entire identity stolen and thousands of dollars stolen out of my account a little over a year ago but that was when my actual purse was stolen (my car window was smashed). However, I have had my credit cards compromised multiple times over the years. One place near my home where this has happened to lots of people I know is our local Target. Now I keep all my cards in an RFID blocking wallet and pay with Apple Pay whenever possible.
I’d like to know more about VPNs. That’s my next step.
So your purse was locked in an empty car? I remember years ago seeing a local news report where thieves were at the mall parking lot during Christmas just to see if a woman left her car without a purse, then they’d know that was the car to hit. I think gyms are also popular for that scheme. Made me paranoid about it and never did it again! My dad always said the shame was that with all the trouble thieves went to for stealing and usually getting so little, they probably could’ve cured cancer by now…
@@leapintothewild I “hid” my purse under my seat and it was at a state park where I walked basically every day for the previous 25 years. The bank manager in the next state where they stole so much of my money told me that they made a real drivers license with someone else’s photo on it. He said that the FBI was investigating this group for 20 years and has been unable to catch them. I say liars! Because they had photos of the women, the car license plates, etc. Also they were able to get a sit of all accounts in that bank with my name on them, and nobody would give them that so casually, even with the fake drivers license. They said that one woman was driving and there was an “old lady” next to her and the driver told the bank worker in the window, “that’s Vivian, she can’t talk.” Excuse me, the account with all the money was a business account. A medical practice. How can someone who can’t talk be a doctor in private practice? I think the bank employees are in on it as well, at least the one who gave a list of the accounts.
@@vtcs1963 What a horrible, stressful situation - and so frustrating they didn’t get caught!! Very fishy about the bank, too. I’m a hiker and switched to a teeny wallet I carabiner to my sports bra so it’s always on me, even when I’m tent camping and not in my truck. It’s a freaking pain, but I know locals like to target vehicles at trailheads, assuming they’ll find something like a purse no one takes on the trail. Happens repeatedly, yet cops and rangers STILL don’t increase patrols!
@@leapintothewild thanks. I now carry my stuff with me and if I do have anything at all I lock it in the trunk before I leave so it’s not visible. But I just take my phone and my sunglasses and car key - and my new puppy - and leave everything else home.
@@vtcs1963 🐶❤️
My motto has always been: “Better safe than sorry!” So if it’s affordable to prevent loss, headache, heartache, and to stay safe, WHY NOT?! 😁
Love your videos Nora
Thanks! :-)
That was GREAT
Thanks!
Hello Nora, the fact that the US government gives you a RFI protection sleeve for for nexus card should lead one to believe RFI skimming is a real threat. I got one with my original Nexus card and then with the renewal card.
True! I got one too.
Thank you so much, Nora! I think your channel is great even though I haven't gone to Europe since 1998!!! But I've been to the Caribbean, LOL! Hoping to travel soon!
Thanks Mia!
Good video, thank you.
I'll buy new wallet
Awesome!
I asked ChatGPT if RFID theft is a real thing. Overall, while RFID theft is a genuine concern, the prevalence of such incidents has diminished with improved security measures in newer RFID systems. I'm with you Nora. Team "use protection" even if the chances of catching something has been "diminished".
Skimming cards allows for more money to be taken with less risk vs RFID hence why it's been the go to method. Once you have the details, you can hit an ATM using the chip & pin while covering your face.
RFID involves going into the store to make a limited purchase & then on top, the contactless payment amount is limited. In the UK it was capped to £45 per use until the end of 2021 (now been upped to £100.) Multiple uses in short order end up triggering a pin authentication check.
It's simply not been worth the hassle for these card gangs/groups to engage in RFID because the payback is so little. However with limits slowly being increased, ATM's now going contactless etc, it's going to become a far more appealing prospect.
Yes!!
Great intel - thanks James!
Um - so the first two things I read created by chat gpt in my own profession (psychiatry) were totally wrong. My student told me she asked chat gpt to write a paper for her, thinking she could just use the references and write her own paper - and none of the references actually existed.
Be careful. Be very careful.
@@vtcs1963 Great point, Vivian. I've also found Chat GPT to be unreliable as a source of facts.
nice ink painting 😋
Thanks!
Thank you for the info! that jacket looks great on you. do you mind linking if it's available?
Thanks Ginger!
The jacket is made by Anatomie - a company that makes designer travel clothing for women. I have a ton of their stuff; really great for travel, super comfy and stylish, and made from a unique ultralight stretchy material that I've never found anywhere else. Before you get sticker shock - their "essential" items come with a lifetime guarantee.
Here's the jacket link: bit.ly/3hntiKg
Here's more info about Anatomie and some of their other stuff I have: www.theprofessionalhobo.com/my-travel-capsule-wardrobe-best-wrinkle-free-travel-clothes-for-women/
Use the discount code NORA20 for $20 off orders of $120 or more!
@@NoraDunn Thanks so much for the reply - it is really cool. You also have me wanting to try the Skylar pants from them. And I just ordered a Scottevest after seeing one of your videos. I had been eyeing it already, but you made me pull the trigger :) I'm trying to pack for 3 months in Europe in only one underseat roller (Verage 14-inch compact, amazon ... looked hard for something that checked all the boxes and I think this finally does - size, weight, wheels, etc) and a 20L backpack (Peak Gear Foldable Backpack, amazon). I think I'll do it - thanks in large part to your tips! So glad I found your channel.
@@gingermichelle Wow - thank you so much Ginger! Your trip sounds amazing, and I'm SOOOOO glad my content has helped you do it in (carry on) style! Happy travels! Drop a comment and let us know how it went!
This is informative.
Thanks!
Thanks
Great info
I think rfdi is real happen to me
Oh dear, I'm sorry RFID-theft happened to you!
Use cash!
well i have a rfid safe thingy and when i put my phone in it u couldn’t call it or anything so ig it does SOMETHING
Good to know!
Online double check security system with principal bank of family > one-time code and security question. Only possible with shops linked with principal bank security system. Btw nearly none oline shopping and if so, in general only at home with fixed computer (no use of mobile device). I prefer shopping in store, pay cash.
Physical use > swipe/scan technically impossible, always pin needed (limit).
Withdraw only direct at bank counter in person possible. Old school, but safe.
When travelling, personal bank consultant is always informed about it.
Btw I live in French-Polynesia. Here online shopping is not common. People like to shop in store, see all goods, talk to people, questions/problems can be solved at place. We simply like to interact with other people in person. 🌴🏖😎
Thanks for sharing, Monika! I'm curious: in French-Polynesia, do people mostly use cash, or are credit cards commonly accepted?
In French-Polynesia all major credit cards are accepted in most restaurants/shops/supermarkets. But there can be a minimum amount of 1000 CFP (8,38 €) or 10 US $. Beyond that at some places A...card is not accepted at all. There are a lot of food trucks around all islands - at most of them you can only pay cash. It's very rare, that they accept credit card. At local fruit stands which you find everywhere, only cash. Note: French-Polynesia currency (CFP) is available at counter at international airport Papeete,Tahiti (main island). On bigger islands you can find ATMs in main villages. You can also get currency changed at banks. Note: You cannot get CFP outside of French-Polynesia.
Hope, information helps.
@@monikaliebold4225 Thank for the info! I love it :-)
A relative works for VISA. He says that VISA is not aware of real world exploits of RFID skimming.
Wow!
Does Apple Pay or Google Pay work with your home country phone number or, will it continue to work if you use the guest country sim and phone number? Preparing for a SE Asian trip. Thank you for sharing your invaluable travel tips.
Apple Pay and Google Pay are independent of your phone number, I believe!
For online purchases I have a specific card that I set the credit limit to $500. I dont worry now. Also my bank has a feature where I am notified for every transaction I make. If something comes across my phone I know if its my transaction or fraud.
Very smart!
Is there a risk of something like a building pass being compromised by one of these scanners? Is this something to be concerned about ? What information (if any) could they get? And secondly.. is there any risk of a card being compromised by one of these RFID scanners if the card has a magnetic strip only ? (No chip). This is a real worry. Thankyou for covering this.
I don't believe there is any super sensitive info on a building pass, and I also think that a card with just a magnetic strip should be fine.
@@NoraDunn Thankyou for responding, I really appreciate it. Yes, my understanding is that cards with a magnetic strip only, cannot be accessed this way. Hopefully that is the case.
A relative, a paediatric emergency doctor, had cc info stolen from an emergency waiting room! Wallet in back pocket. That is low.
Wow, that is sad.
Can you suggest the best RFID card to purchase?
I'm not sure what you're asking for. Do you mean an RFID card-protector? I have some links in the description to some things I recommend.
I guess better safe than sorry.
Agreed.
I Don't use my Cell Phone for any type of banking or Cash Payments and I never will! I leave all Credit Cards & Bank Card at home unless I Need one for a reason for that day.
Fair enough. I personally feel cash is riskier, but it's a matter of personal comfort.
It will always ask for a pin if your doing another transaction
Good to know!
Is there a way to test a product when it claims it has RFID?
You could put it in the RFID sleeve, then try to "tap to pay" or similar and see if the reader still picks it up.
Interesting video, and thanks... One side thing to do is take and use a separate account and transfer money to its as you need before using just that card. if it is going to happen its better to be a sister account with a little money in than your main account
Great tip!
I am watching these videos because my card got scanned while in my butt pocket wallet. YES, its a real thing. YES, people can steal from you without you taking your wallet out.
Wow! Thank you for sharing this, though I'm sorry that happened to you.
Where can I get a card like that?
🔐 Got a wallet or purse or passport holder without RFID protection? No problemo. These RFID-blocking sleeves will do the trick: amzn.to/3nYHFIk
💵 Need a slim minimalist RFID-Blocking Wallet? I ADORE this one: amzn.to/40bhifv
I disagree with using bank apps on your phone. There are cases where thieves have been able to get into someone’s phone and transfer all their money out. If you don’t have the app, they can’t do that.
You think so? I thought so too, for a while, but I changed my mind.
They'd have to get through multiple layers of authentication. The authentication to unlock the phone (either face ID or passcode). Then to open a bank app they'd have to get through the 2-factor authentication for each app.
Besides which, if my phone is stolen, I can erase it remotely so nobody could do that anyway.
@@NoraDunn I guess you haven’t seen the cases here in nyc where they drugged and kidnapped people. Then used their face to open their phones. Through the banking apps, they transferred tens of thousands of dollars to themselves and then they murdered the victims. But hey, it’s your phone.
Oh, and the two factor authentication. The code is texted to the same phone the thieves are accessing your account from. So the thieves are already in your phone and they get the code. They don’t even need to copy and paste. There’s a Wall Street Journal video on this. Scary.
@@NoraDunn Except if it’s an iPhone and they’ve watched you use a code, they immediately change your Apple ID so you lose access to the cloud, find your phone, etc. I’ve seen multiple reports recently about this apple flaw, and there are extra steps you can set up so they can’t, but it’s not automatic. But what I really picked up is that you should cover your phone when entering any codes, just like you showed while using the atm! I swear, it gets old having to be paranoid…
@@leapintothewild Wow! I'll have to look into that - thanks for mentioning it!
@@leapintothewildIf you use a face scan to access your iPhone, then you can make your password more complex.
Cash....you're telling me to use cash.
😆
My background is payment processing and banking. The chances of this theft without them just stealing your card is very very slim. Personal information isn’t on your card other than your card number. The simple way to say it, is it’s just codes that talk to one another. This sequence changes constantly. RFID blocking works to just reduce those radio waves but it’s a solution in search of a problem.
Thanks for sharing the inside scoop!
I see all the time stories of POS systems charging on cards that aren’t even in your hand.
Me too!
If it can be done, it will be done, because some criminal will benefit from it.
It's a shame.
You should go to college and get an education in information systems, like I did. And then you would know you have no idea what you're talking about.
I know testers That check them & I'm told the card sleeves don't do much at all... you are better off to buy a RFID/NFC Blocking Card for your Wallet for Card Scan Protection as it stops readers from scanning your cards!
Good tip!
@@NoraDunn 😁