Card cloning scams are resurging, despite years of security upgrades like EMV chips and contactless payments. Authorities in Europe recently broke up international rings that stole millions by skimming cards at ATMs and point-of-sale terminals. In Italy, authorities are warning about a “white card” scam that allows criminals to clone payment cards even when travelers use chip-and-PIN technology. This raises a troubling question: Are RFID wallets and other “anti-skimming” gadgets really protecting travelers — or just giving them a false sense of security? Even cautious visitors are finding fraudulent charges on their statements, sometimes days after using what should be secure systems. I’d like to hear from readers: Have you had a card cloned or compromised while traveling, even if you took precautions? Did you use an RFID wallet, chip card, or other safeguard — and what happened? What kind of safeguards have worked for you? What hasn't worked? I’m also asking experts: How do cloning scams actually work in 2025? Which protections are effective, and which ones are more marketing than reality? What steps should you take now to ensure your credit card or debit card is safe?

posted9/15/2025

deadline9/16/2025

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