"TOO FAR" Rant 3-22-11

Ok now technology is going too far!

Have you heard about one of the latest ways that lazy slimy crooks are using to get your credit card info? Just as we were becoming aware of, and checking for the "fake" swipe machines attached to ATM's, gas pumps, and other devices that accept credit cards, there comes another technological advance in the competitive war to steal your money. (I guess the government will now have to try and catch up.)

Pick pockets now have moved into this century with the RFID handheld scanner. These computer savvy street scum can now use a handheld scanner to steal your credit card info by holding the scanner in their hand as they walk close to you. The card does not even need to be out of your wallet or purse! How convienent for these sewer dwellers!! They don't even need to risk catching some sort of disease by touching you or getting too close; isn't that nice?

This underscores the "vessel of ineptitude" (my son will like this :) that is our technology development industry. Not only do we develop the technology to foster lack of human contact, but we don't even limit, or control, it's irresponsible use. Can any one say nuclear energy or Japan? (You would have thought that after WW11 they would've avoided nuclear devices of any kind.) Sorry, I digress.

Back to RFID. They are now putting these RFID tags in a variety of products which include books, clothes, and who knows what else. You will just be able to wave your credit or debit card in front of the scanner, as well as the item chip to complete your purchase. I guess the ultimate goal is to eliminate cashiers. One upside would be for the "ladies of the night", they would no longer need to collect that bulky germ carrying cash. :)

So what happens when that signal is "floating" in the air? Can it be hijacked? Will they cause brain tumors? These are questions we should answer.  Hey remember when people were wearing tinfoil on their heads and putting it on their walls to avoid radio signals???

Maybe they weren't so crazy huh!

So if you are in a crowd or a store, and feel a tingling sensation wherever you carry your wallet or purse, be aware you may have just been scanned.