Overview
The problem is presented as this: scammers out there have equipment that can wirelessly beam your credit card information back to them. They can then magnetize a new card with your data, effectively copying your card. They’re able to do this with the new cards that you can just touch against the reader at the checkout counter without having to swipe your card. If your card is not equipped with this feature then there’s no need to worry. And even if it is, there may still not be a need to worry. Read on.
The Claim
The makers of Scan Stop say that by placing your credit cards that have this wireless ability between two of their Scan Stop cards, you’ll effectively block any attempt made to access the data on those cards. They say it’s using a proprietary technology to block the signal. They also say that their cards are durable and flexible, so you can fit them into tight spots and they won’t wear out.
The Hype
The hype comes from overstating just how huge of a problem it is to have cards that susceptible to these scanners. Credit card companies are adamant that a hacker can’t do much with your card’s information, and if anything should happen you’ll be covered. So showing people in the informercial that have had their credit ruined, or are receiving past due notices is pretty misleading. In fact, the system is set up so that a hacker would have a tough time making just one purchase on your card, and they’d have to do that before you make your next purchase with the card. So it seems that the damage would be minimal, and would be refunded by the credit card company and investigated further on their end.
The Cost
The Scan Stop starts with a price of $20 for a set of two cards. Remember that in order to use this you need to have two cards, and then sandwich your credit cards between them. They throw in a second pair of cards, but want you to pay shipping on this “bonus” card. Your final price comes to $32 and you end up with two sets, so $16 per set.
The Commitment
All you’ll need to do is put your credit cards between the two cards they send you. It might make it a little less convenient to access your cards because you’ll have to try to remove the card you want from between the Scan Stop cards, but
Evaluation
The Scan Stop idea is a good one, as it means you can use your own pocketbook or wallet and you don’t have have an unfashionable aluminum wallet or anything else. At the same time it’s not explained exactly how it’s blocking the signals, it’s just referred to as a proprietary technology. Some of the more advanced blockers out there actually reflect the signal back to the would-be scammers, so no matter how powerful their equipment they just get their signal beamed back at them. There are also models out there that light up when someone is trying to get your info and emit a sound so you know that you’re under attack.
Scan Stop likely does the job as well as any RFID blocking wallet, but there are a few things to consider here. First, you should check your cards to see if you’re even at risk. There are only particular cards that are at risk here, and those are the ones that have a wireless capability to them, the kind that you can tap to pay because it’s reading the
chip in your card. Next, you have to consider that you are paying an exorbitant shipping charge in order to receive these cards, for cards that are billed as being lightweight and could probably be mailed first class in an ordinary envelope the way credit cards are. You end up paying $12 to have them shipped, which is excessive at the very least.Our Recommendation
This is one item that is overpriced for what it is, when you factor in the extra shipping charges. If you are very worried about someone stealing your card’s information, and are willing to give up the ability to tap your card to make purchases, you can simply put your card in the microwave for 3 seconds. This will fry the circuitry in your card’s chip, just be sure not to leave it in there a second too long or you’ll end up frying your card as well.
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View Comments
I did a little experiment last week, and with the cooperation of the local hardware store tried to tap with two cards held together. The machine could not read either BUT did recognise that there were two cards there and displayed that message. I think if you have two cards together a sensitive scanner would be confused and not be able to read either like the professional reader did when I tapped it. Does that mean that these Scan stopperss are simply cards programmed with random numbers? I would like to tap one of these ScanStop cards at a checkout and see the message displayed. Any thoughts?
If you believe this device is a good idea, I'd love to meet you. I have a great product for you. It's a pen you put in your pocket that puts a force field around you so people can't take your photo. I also have found this pond where the scum that is on the surface makes you look like you are a 12 year old.
It is a scam! (and so would what I would try and sell you). Also the risk if it did work for you is nil. The card company and merchants pick up the bill if there is fraud on your card, not you. Besides that, the card needs to be damn close to the reader for it to be able to read because the card picks up the required power from the reader to be able to send the info which has a max range of about 5cm if you are lucky.
I have to say this is a pretty poor example of a product review...was any sort of test actually carried out??...the information presented is readily available on the Scan Blocker ads...we can read we dont need to see it repeated.
People think about this... the Scan blocker card, like the credit cards it is supposed to protect does not have a power source, they do not send any signals...when you wave your card at the reader it actually needs to be within 10 mm or it will not read it. If you want to confirm what I say, contact your bank.
Spot on Paul! It's simple common sense no rocket science. If anyone thinks they need this, they've been fooled once again by a misleading and useless product!
Absolute waste of money. If you have more than one ATM card in your wallet, any attempt to scan you would result in a jumbled up bunch of numbers from both cards.
Ask yourself this - has anyone you know ever had their credit card details taken by someone walking past in the street with a mobile card scanning device and then had a purchase made with it?
The mobile scanner also couldn't be around multiple people at once or it would receive an even more jumbled set of digits
My card has just been maxed out to $11633 and it is still in my posession. I dont believe this card stop things will work but dont think its far to say ppl cant get your info., all the fruad transactions made on my card were done via internet.,
My card has just been maxed out to $11633 and it is still in my posession. I dont believe this card stop things will work but dont think its far to say ppl cant getbyour info.,
It should be called scam card who has ever had there cards scammed , it happens when you pay at service stations and shops boggy a guy walking the streets otherwise everyone would do it as it would be free cash
Does it really work and I really want try it. Before ordering the scan stop.
How do I order the scan stopper.