Experts offer tips to halt high-tech thieves

 As Central Texans head to the malls, thieves could be headed there too, and experts tell KVUE those thieves have found a new way to steal your credit card information without ever touching your wallet or your purse.

Right now about one in 10 credit cards are subject to the high-tech threat. Experts say that number will be growing in coming years.

"Oh, you know, we're looking for little bargains, we don't need anything specifically, but we're just looking to save some money.” said shopper Diana Nelson as she perused the aisles at Barton Creek Square Mall in South Austin.

While she's looking to save, others may be looking to steal.

"You need to know that there are people -- thieves -- out there, looking over your shoulder, trying to steal your credit card information," said Jason Lavender of ID Theft Solutions of America.

He warns that ten percent of all credit cards include a computer chip which allows you  pay, without ever having to swipe your card through a credit card reader.

That high-tech convenience, though, allows high-tech thieves using cell phone downloads to steal all kinds of sensitive information including your account number, right off your card.

"I can walk by you in the mall, run my phone right past your wallet, and it will extract the information your card emits," Lavender said.

Credit card sleeves with a metallic lining can block the signal and cost only about $5.

Shoppers like Chris Laguna acknowledge that even as technology evolves, thieves will too.

"Where there's a will there's a way, i guess -- if that's what they're needing to do to get it, that's what they'll do,” he said.

That's why even high-tech solutions can't replace the low-tech idea of making sure you keep a close eye on your finances.

"As soon as i get home, i usually go to my web site to make sure that everything I paid for is there and nothing extra,” said Nelson.

Depending on your card, if you catch an unauthorized transaction early enough, you won't be held liable for it.

You can buy the card holder at this Web site: http://www.idstronghold.com/Show-All-Products/products/4/

Below is a list of tips provided by ID Theft Solutions of American:

•Minimize the number of credit cards you carry in your wallet or purse. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is very simple to pick up when a thief knows what their looking for.  Within the next two years all credit cards will have the ability to be scanned remotely.  In fact, all passports issued since 2006 already have RFID technology planted inside!  Look into purchasing RFID shields to place your credit cards and passports in to block the signal.  It's also a good idea to keep a list of all your credit cards, bank accounts, and investments in a safe place in case of theft.

•Check your credit and debit card receipts and make sure that only the last 4 digits of your card number are shown. The first 12 digits should be unknown and should be replaced by Xs. This is called “Truncated” If they aren’t, you are permitted to mark out the first 12 digits on the merchants copy with a pen.

•Protect your mail.  Always place outgoing mail in a post office collection box rather than your own mailbox . Consider getting a locked mail box or using a post office box for incoming mail.

•Learn to ask!  Guard your Social Security Number. Ask these questions when you’re Social Security Number is requested: Can you use another form of Identification? Why do you need it? How will it be used? How do you protect it from being stolen? What will happen if I don’t give it to you? The answers to these questions will help you decide whether or not to release this information or whether or not to do business with them.

•NEVER give out personal information over the phone, in person, via e-mail or the Internet unless you have initiated the contact.  Financial institutions and businesses will not contact you and ask you to verify account information they already have on file.  If necessary, call the contact number on your card or statement.

• Shred wisely, destroy private information completely. Not all shredders are created equal.  Choose a crosscut or diamond cut shredder.  Shredders that cut in strips allow criminals to easily re-assemble documentation.

•Check your credit report at least once a year!  Under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act (FACTA), you can obtain one free copy of your credit report every 12 months.  Annualcreditreport.com or call toll free at 877-322-8228.

•Choose to monitor. There are many different opinions regarding “Identity protection companies” Many companies charge for only monitoring services which you can do for free yourself; or re-reimbursement plans that are rarely ever needed.  However, if you select a company that guarantees restoration and legal access if your identity is stolen it can be worth the investment.  www.idtsoa.com

•Use virus protection software and a firewall programs on your computer.  Never download files or click on links from people you don’t know or trust; don’t share your passwords either. If the criminal is smart they won’t be using their own log in information to commit crimes!

•Ask your employer how your personal information is safeguarded. Who has access to it? How is it discarded?  Experts have reported that more than half of the identity theft in America has come from the work place. 

•Opt out. Tired of all that junk mail?  To opt out of prescreened credit offers call 888-567-8688 or www.optoutprescreen.com. To remove yourself from telemarketing calls visit www.texasnocall.com or www.donotcall.gov.  And to remove your name from marketing lists, dmaconsumers.org/consumerassistance.html.

•Be wary of "phishing" schemes. Phishing is a type of fraud that usually starts as an email,text message or pop-up designed to trick you into revealing personal financial details. Never reply to inquiries asking for personal details.