Technology can be a wonderful thing--until it's used against us. Let's say you get a state-of-the-art credit card with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology. It's brand new, and you're thrilled at the chance to charge purchases with only a quick scan. The problem is, scammers near you are interested in the same technology.
As they walk by you in the mall, they are carrying a gadget that can read the same frequency. They may be carrying it in a satchel, or nice looking binder--but either way, if it gets within a few inches of your card, the banking information is now public information.
How to avoid: not all of these cards can be read--only ones with a little logo of an antenna signal. You could either return the card to the bank and get a new one without that feature, or purchase a special cover to stop the transmission.