Target 11 Investigates: Pick Pocketing Gone High-Tech

Target 11 investigator Rick Earle has uncovered a new way thieves are stealing people's information, using high-tech devices on unsuspecting consumers.

Many credit card companies are now installing a small radio chip in credit cards that not only makes it easier for you to pay but easier for thieves to trace credit card numbers.

Earle set up an elaborate experiment to find out exactly how much consumers are at risk just by walking around other people. Earle was able to purchase a credit card scanner online for $100.

Identity theft expert Walt Augustinowicz said the device is able to swipe people's information without anyone knowing. He said the device itself is legal to own.

"That's totally legal. Stuff bought right on the Internet is totally legal to own," Augustinowicz said. "Just by getting near their back pocket or wherever, I see their wallet and brush by him. Nobody would even think I'm actually doing anything even if I bumped into them."

The scanner reads cards that use radio frequency identification technology. Augustinowicz said it's a small chip built into the card that transmits information.

"It's like walking around with your credit card number printed right on your front with these cards," Augustinowicz said.

Earle and Augustinowicz went to a local mall to put the scanner to the test. Working with reporters from Channel 11's sister stations in Steubenville and Johnstown, the team scanned wallets and purses of 24 people.

The scanner then transmits the credit card information to a laptop computer where the participants were shown their information.

"That's pretty scary, very scary stuff," said Gretchen Wiesner. "How did you do this? I'm a little freaked out. I just had the cards replaced because I had the number stolen recently. It was used by someone over the Internet from Germany, and I don't know how that happened because I don't know anyone in Germany and I've never been there so this might have happened to me."

During Earle's investigation, he and Augustinowicz were able to intercept nine credit card numbers with an expiration date.

Augustinowicz said one way to keep you protected is to keep credit cards in a protective sleeve that will block the frequency of the card.

Target 11 has also learned that you can block the chip yourself by calling your credit card company and ask them to reissue a card without the chip. There are currently 100 different variations of cards with chips. Most cards equipped with the technology have an audio symbol printed on them.

Earle contacted all of the major credit card companies who contend that the cards are secure and said that there have been no reports of fraud. Many credit card company spokespeople said even if the number of the credit card was scanned, the thieves couldn’t get your name or three-digit security code.

WEB EXTRAS

Credit Card Companies Respond To Target 11's Story:

American Express

Discover Card

Visa

MasterCard

IDstronghold.com's Protective Card Sleeve

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