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Topic: identity theft |
Ford Cole
From:
Texas
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Posted 13 Dec 2007 5:58 pm |
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Hi Wiz...
Was wondering about those key cards you get when you check in a motel. I've heard that much of your personal info is stored on the card, so be sure to take it with you when checking out. Question: Can you take the card and hold it very near he alter-nator of your vehicle and scramble the magnetic info on the key card?? Thanks!! |
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Wiz Feinberg
From:
Mid-Michigan, USA
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Posted 13 Dec 2007 10:53 pm Re: identity theft
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| Ford Cole wrote: |
Hi Wiz...
Was wondering about those key cards you get when you check in a motel. I've heard that much of your personal info is stored on the card, so be sure to take it with you when checking out. Question: Can you take the card and hold it very near he alternator of your vehicle and scramble the magnetic info on the key card?? Thanks!! |
Better than that, you can cut it into little pieces and dispose of them in several different trash bins. I wouldn't trust an alternator to do the job of a real demagnetizer.
_________________
"Wiz" Feinberg, Moderator SGF Computers Forum
Security Consultant
Twitter: @Wizcrafts
Main web pages: Wiztunes Steel Guitar website | Wiz's Security Blog | My Webmaster Services | Wiz's Security Blog |
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Jack Stoner
From:
Kansas City, MO
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Posted 14 Dec 2007 3:36 am
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That is a typical false internet hoax that has been circulating for a long time.
Here is the info from Snopes.com, the Urban Legends site.
Click Me |
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Wiz Feinberg
From:
Mid-Michigan, USA
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Posted 14 Dec 2007 9:49 am
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I should have Snoped that question before answering, but it was late, etc. After reading the article at snopes.com is is obvious that the only information encoded into magnetic hotel room keys is the room number, the number of cards requested, the start and end dates of the reservation. I have watched a motel clerk update my card, for which I paid in cash, to add another night to my stay. I was not asked for a credit card, so no such info could be encoded onto that card.
With the holidays upon us there will be more urban legends making the rounds, as they do every year. Check to see if the email news you received is on the list of urban legends or Internet hoaxes, at www.snopes.com . Here is a link to the Top 25 Hoaxes of the month, at Snopes.
_________________
"Wiz" Feinberg, Moderator SGF Computers Forum
Security Consultant
Twitter: @Wizcrafts
Main web pages: Wiztunes Steel Guitar website | Wiz's Security Blog | My Webmaster Services | Wiz's Security Blog |
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Bill Ford
From:
Graniteville SC Aiken
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Posted 22 Dec 2007 7:20 pm
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If you are still paranoid about it, all you need is a small strong magnet ( the kind purchased at a craft/hobby shop)rub it across the strip before you turn it in.All info is gone, that was the erase method used on the older reel to reel recorders.
BF
_________________
Bill Ford S12 CLR, S12 Lamar keyless, Misc amps&toys Sharp Covers
Steeling for Jesus now!!! |
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