Identity Theives Use Wireless Security Cameras

Identity theft is currently one of the fastest growing organized criminal activities. The most common form is when credit or bank card information is acquired through various means and an actual working physical copy of the card is made. A Magnetic strip on most cards contains all the data required to make a copy. Thieves collect massive databases of customer information and send the data to factories overseas. These large factories may turn out as many as 5000 cards in a single night and send them back out to be used anywhere in the world.


Consumers are much more aware of the threat and are taking more efforts to protect themselves. Most banking and credit institutions will cover clients losses due to identity theft, however the repercussions are often far greater than financial damage. In some cases the frustration of trying to fix it can last months and derail major purchases, such as a house or automobile, during this time.


Identity thieves use many methods to acquire your personal information. This often includes eliciting store employee cooperation through bribes. The person runs the card through a special device called a skimmer which compiles. The problem with this is the higher risk involved, as anyone observing could potentially spot the activity. ID thieves have found a more covert way of collecting card info. The latest weapon thieves are using is hidden wireless security cameras. Hidden cameras placed near point of sale equipment and ATMs are used to record credit card details and PIN number entry. These criminals pose as maintenance workers or engineers during installation and may return to collect the equipment or have data transmitted off site wirelessly. Drop tile ceilings commonly found in commercial buildings retail stores are a perfect place to hide pinhole cameras and a digital video recorder because there is plenty of space and it can be easily accessed.


What can you do to protect yourself from identity theft crimes, since the wireless security cameras used by thieves are inexpensive and could be place anywhere? The number one rule is to pay attention to what is happening during transactions. It is not a time to be chatting with friends and browsing items at the checkout. Watch what the sales clerk is doing with your card or insist that you be the one to swipe the card. If you notice him swipe your card several times or use a different card reader this is a red flag. Do not be afraid that you may offend those standing behind you by covering up the keypad while you enter your PIN number. A hidden camera could be anywhere. Do not assume that the area is secure just because you are in a business setting. Of course one sure fire way is to avoid using a card at all, and simply withdraw cash from the bank teller the old fashioned way.



About the Author: Mike Ward is the owner and operator of Protection Depot, a leading online provider of wireless security cameras and hidden cameras. For more information about security cameras, please visit www.security-cams.com.