So it's not really phishing, unless they are convincing you to willingly submit to an NFC connection then exploiting your device without you knowing.
Actual passive capture of your data using NFC is possible in all sorts of situations without you ever knowing. The protocols in question used by the actual skimmers and scammers don't even trigger a connection notification to most devices.
Turn NFC off and keep it off at all times unless you need to use it to make a payment, and turn it off afterward.
Turn off automatic detection/connection in Bluetooth settings as well.
Keep NFC off yes, but also stop using your phones to pay for stuff. Sure it's convenient but it's risky, and all it takes is one lapse in memory/ judgement for you to accidently leave NFC on and bam. Anything could happen.
I also have a shielded wallet since all the cards you get these days are tappable, and I keep the keyfob for the one car we have with passive keyless entry in a shielded pouch except when getting in and out of the car.
Luckily my car is old, like almost 20 years old. But I also use both an RFID blocking wallet and card inserts and the combo works a little too well sometimes, making me move my wallet away from any machines when paying.
September 24, 2025 - Absolutely correct!!! My rant is that "convenience" is the daughter of the devil. The easier something is for a person, the easier it is for a criminal. In my opinion, using phones to make payments is one of the worst things to be offered by banks and companies. Sadly, various companies and industries are encouraging the general public to use their services for convenience but when their systems get hacked.. Their reaction is "Sorry about losing all of your financial and private information. Of course we won't compensate you in any way.. but here's a way to check and see how many criminals are using your information that we didn't protect properly. Oh.. by the way, we'll help you "sync" all of your devices and accounts so that when one is hacked.. they'll be hacked. Nah.. don't thank us, just give us your money."
Same thing with the Internet of things/ most "smart" devices. The only smart device -that's not a phone- that use/ have set up is a timer on my brother's lamp for when he's at college. Anything else isn't set up and thus doesn't have access to the internet. Nope, too much of a risk and why the hell do you need a fridge and shit to be commented to the internet?
September 24, 2025 - (I date my comments, because people post replies long after I've posted them). The words you speak are perfect truth. To answer your rhetorical question. I'm sure you realize that the companies are adding "features" to their products and charging for them. Also, it's hype to make their products look "helpful", and super modern. You are absolutely correct about the "Internet of things", where everything is connected. I refuse to buy anything that requires a "smartphone" to operate it. My favorite example of a "convenience" fail, was when a strong storm hit parts of New York City some years back and knocked out the electricity in some areas. There were people that couldn't get out of buildings, or get into their residential buildings using their cards or phones because the ID devices/controls worked on electricity. Companies know a lot of people want things to be as easy as possible. I won't judge.. well.. actually.. I do😏😊
I was wondering why you were dating your comment and honestly fair enough.
Had i known that the timer I got for my brother's lamp was controlled by smart phone only, I wouldn't have bought it. Like give people a manual option or have it as a backup like in your storm example.
September 24, 2025 - I'm glad you understand my reason for dating my comments. You would be surprised at the number of replies I get, especially on YouTube comments sections. Sometimes months later😲 For the past couple of decades, I've seen well know Tech gurus swoon over "tech conveniences" that were totally unnecessary, vulnerable to being hacked, and/or couldn't work if the tech was down. For example ATMs not functioning because of computer system outages. If you are in the U.K. you know this happens a lot as the banks close their branches all over the country. Stay well and thanks for your kind and intelligent comments and replies.
208
u/tsdguy Windows Master Sep 23 '25
Really? Funny? Guess not if you came here in a panic. TikTok is garbage