Definition
Electronic pickpocketing is the stealing of private information without physical contact. The most popular targets are passports, credit card information, passwords, and other private documents containing RFID technology.
Impacts of Digital Pickpocketing
- Identity theft: Hackers can access your sensitive information, such as your social security number, to impersonate you.
- Financial loss: Cybercriminals can use your credit card information to take out loans or make unauthorized purchases, causing you huge financial losses.
- Emotional distress: Electronic pickpocketing can cause emotional turmoil in the victims, such as stress and anxiety.
- Damage to your credit score: Cyber criminals can cause significant damage to your credit score if they get hold of your financial information.
Protecting Yourself Against Electronic Pickpocketing
- Use RFID-Blocking sleeves or wallets: These especially block RFID signals and stop digital pickpockets from scanning them remotely.
- Be cautious in public gatherings: Attackers usually use digital pickpockets in public places like markets, buses, trains, or events.
- Secure your smartphone: Deactivate NFC and RFID features, use strong passwords and ensure your device’s software is updated.
- Adjust contactless card parameters: Some banks allow you to adjust the controls on your contactless cards, such as setting transaction limits and turning off the contactless feature.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Improve your security by enabling 2FA on your online accounts.
- Avoid open networks: Refrain from using public Wi-Fi as hackers lurk on them to steal your sensitive information.
Steps to Take After You’ve Become a Victim of Digital Pickpocketing
- Check your accounts and monitor your credit report: Always scrutinize your credit card and bank statements for any suspicious activity.
- Report to financial institutions: If you notice any fraudulent charges, please report them to your bank or Credit Card Company. They can issue a new card or freeze the existing one to prevent further activity.
- Change your passwords: If you lose your smartphone, change your passwords, especially those linked to banking and payment services.
- File a police report: Filing a police report is important in case identity theft happens afterward.
- Consider a fraud alert or credit freeze: Putting a fraud alert on your credit files makes it difficult for hackers to open more accounts using your details.
