high tech loss prevention device

Consumer Reports (June 11) had a series of articles about safeguarding your credit information, preventing theft, etc.  One of the more interesting parts was how thieves can steal your information without the card ever leaving your pocket or wallet by using an electronic card reader (available online for about $100).  They tested several products that claim to prevent the RFID-enabled cards from being scanned and one homemade model consisting of duct tape and aluminum foil.  Homemade beat out 8 of the 10 tested.

Why do I post this info now?  Especially since those RFID-enabled cards are only now entering the field (still account for less than 5% of the total cards outstanding).  FirstBorn just received a call from his bank that his account had been used to buy from a few online merchants.  Naturally, he’s off the hook, but it got me to thinking…he’s only used this card once in over a week (on Amazon) and WHO THE HELL USES A STOLEN CARD TO BUY STUFF ONLINE?  I mean, don’t you fill out the address info to have the stuff shipped? And now you’ve got the Feds involved…

Hurry! Last Chance To Redeem Your $25 Promo Card*
included in the Today Show Collection),
expiring this Sunday, July 31, 2011.

Free Standard Shipping on orders $50 and over, plus receive complimentary samples with every purchase.

My advice is to check out the sale/clearance items to see if there is anything you really want/need – just because they give you a gift card, doesn’t mean you have to use it.  My mom loves the hand cream, so I might get more for her.

MOBIL

Those of you who bought that Mobil pass deal where .15 per gallon would be automatically deposited back into your account only have until the end of July to get as much as you can – program ends July 31st.