Shield Your Wallet: The Importance of RFID Blocking Cards in Preventing Remote Skimming

 tl;dr  Buy this for $10, protect 4 wallets.

RFID Blocking Wallet Inserts

In our increasingly connected world, technological advancements have revolutionized the way we carry out daily tasks. From contactless payments to smart transportation systems, convenience has become paramount. However, as we embrace these innovations, we must also remain vigilant about the potential risks they may pose. One such risk is remote skimming, a threat that can compromise the security of our financial information. Thankfully, there is a simple and effective solution at hand: RFID blocking cards. In this blog post, we'll delve into the world of remote skimming, exploring why you should consider adding an RFID blocking card to your wallet for enhanced protection.

Understanding Remote Skimming:

Remote skimming, also known as RFID skimming, is a technique employed by malicious individuals to steal sensitive data from RFID-enabled cards without direct physical contact. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology utilizes radio waves to transmit information wirelessly, allowing for seamless communication between devices. While this technology brings convenience and efficiency to our lives, it also introduces vulnerabilities that can be exploited by cybercriminals.

How Remote Skimming Works:

Remote skimming operates by utilizing a concealed RFID reader, which captures the data transmitted by RFID-enabled cards. These readers are capable of scanning cards from a short distance, typically a few feet or meters, without the cardholder even realizing it. Criminals can employ this technique in crowded places, such as public transport hubs, cafes, or shopping malls, where they can inconspicuously skim data from unsuspecting individuals.

The Risk to Your Financial Security:

The information compromised through remote skimming includes credit card details, debit card numbers, expiration dates, and in some cases, even personal identification information. Armed with this data, criminals can clone cards or engage in fraudulent transactions, potentially causing significant financial loss and wreaking havoc on your credit history. Given the prevalence of RFID-enabled cards, it is vital to take proactive measures to protect ourselves from these evolving threats.

Enter RFID Blocking Cards:

RFID blocking cards provide a simple yet effective solution to counter the risk of remote skimming. These small, slim cards are designed to fit seamlessly into your wallet alongside your existing cards. They work by creating an electromagnetic shield that blocks the radio waves emitted by RFID readers, effectively rendering your cards invisible to potential skimmers. This protective barrier prevents unauthorized access to your card's sensitive data, safeguarding your financial security.

Advantages of RFID Blocking Cards:

Enhanced Security: By employing an RFID blocking card, you can proactively shield your cards from remote skimming attempts. The secure barrier ensures that your financial information remains confidential and protected from unauthorized access.

Ease of Use: RFID blocking cards are incredibly user-friendly. You simply need to place one in your wallet alongside your RFID-enabled cards, and the protective shield becomes active. No additional steps or setup procedures are necessary, making it a hassle-free security measure.

Cost-Effective: RFID blocking cards are an affordable investment compared to potential financial losses resulting from unauthorized access to your cards. It is a small price to pay for the peace of mind and security it provides.

Compatibility: RFID blocking cards are compatible with all types of RFID-enabled cards, including credit cards, debit cards, access cards, and even passports. Therefore, you can protect multiple cards within your wallet using a single RFID blocking card.

Conclusion:

In an era where technology is an integral part of our lives, it is crucial to prioritize the security of our personal and financial information. Remote skimming poses a tangible risk that can compromise our financial well-being. By incorporating an RFID blocking card into our wallets, we fortify our defenses against this threat, ensuring that our sensitive data remains confidential and secure. Investing in an RFID blocking card is a small small step that can make a significant difference in safeguarding your financial security and granting you peace of mind in our increasingly connected world.

The Best Deal in Non-Profit Banking

One of the big hassles in starting a non-profit is the pain in the ass of setting up a bank account.  Most of the big players have high fees. In my last nonprofit we were constantly being hamstrung by Truist, who is among the worst banks in the world, at least for nonprofits.  I'm not kidding when I say I had to go into their physical office over 8 times.

So this time I recently opened an Business Advantage Fundamentals account with Bank Of America for my new non-profit Let.Live.  BoA is a giant multinational bank -- but that has some good and bad this associated with.  Some of the best things about a giant bank are excellent security, stability and services.  BofA isn't going to do a First Republic on you. The bad things about BofA

And because they are really a big bank, they know how to do everything WELL. I never had to go into an office -- we did everything over the phone. Contrast that to Truist where I had to be physically in a branch in Virginia at the EXACT same time my partner was in a bank branch in Houston.  I could not believe that was happening in 2021.

You CAN open a BofA account online, but I'd recommend calling if you're a nonprofit because there's a part where they have to look up your business status with the Secretary of State, and I had to help them find my business.  Once that was done it was clear sailing.  The whole thing took 30 minutes.  Oh, and if you're doing it over t3eh phone, you need to fund the account with a debt card.

The downside of all those services is that there is a hefty fee,  BofA changes $16/month for their banking services for the CHEAP account, which is what I got. However you have no monthly fee if your balance is over $5k OR if you have $250 in transactions on your banks debit card.

Here's where we get clever.  There's a new donation portal called Zeffy.  They charge nothing.  If someone donates $250 to you, you get $250.  That's huge to begin with.  But now, pair it with your BofA account.  Sign up with your debit card for a $250/month donation.  Now, you have a zero fee bank account, and a zero fee donation processor.  You just have to make sure you keep $250 in your bank account.

If you don't like Zeffy, you can use Donately or Stripe or whatever for your main donation page.