How to Detect Suspicious Activity and Protect Your Data
Identity theft and payment card fraud are among the most commonly reported consumer crimes in the United States, according to the FTC and FBI. This page outlines practical awareness steps recommended by government agencies — and explains how SENTRICK SHIELD™ sends proximity alerts for physical RFID scan activity near your wallet.
Important: SENTRICK SHIELD™ is a physical proximity notification device — not a cybersecurity product, data breach prevention service, or guarantee against identity theft. For official data protection guidance, visit consumer.ftc.gov or cisa.gov.
Published Government Data — United States
These figures are based on published government data as of 2023 and may increase over time as reported by the respective agencies. SENTRICK is not affiliated with the FTC, FBI, or CISA.
6 Awareness Steps Recommended by Government Agencies
The following steps are based on guidance published by the FTC, CISA, and FBI. SENTRICK does not provide these services — these are independent actions you can take.
Enable Transaction Notifications
Most banks and card issuers offer free real-time transaction alerts via SMS or app notification. Enabling these allows you to review activity as it occurs and contact your issuer promptly if something looks unfamiliar.
Review Your Credit Report Regularly
US residents can access free annual credit reports from all three major bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com (authorized by the FTC). Reviewing these reports helps identify accounts or inquiries you did not initiate.
Use Unique Passwords and a Password Manager
Reusing passwords across accounts increases risk if one account is compromised. A reputable password manager can generate and store unique credentials for each service.
Be Aware of Physical Proximity Risks
RFID-enabled cards can be read by specialized readers at close range. Being aware of your surroundings in crowded areas and using RFID-blocking accessories can reduce your exposure to proximity-based scan attempts.
Recognize Phishing Attempts
The FTC and CISA both identify phishing emails and texts as a leading method of credential theft. Verify sender addresses, avoid clicking unsolicited links, and report suspicious messages to your email provider.
Place a Credit Freeze if Concerned
US residents can place a free credit freeze with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A freeze restricts new credit inquiries until you lift it — a step recommended by the FTC after suspected identity theft.
SENTRICK SHIELD™: Physical Proximity Alerts Only
SENTRICK SHIELD™ is a card-sized sensor that fits in your wallet. It detects when an RFID reader comes within close range and sends a push notification to the SENTRICK app. It does not monitor digital accounts, prevent data breaches, or provide cybersecurity services.
RFID Proximity Notifications
SENTRICK SHIELD™ sends a push notification when an RFID reader is detected near your wallet — so you are aware of scan activity in your immediate environment.
Location-Stamped Alerts
Each alert includes a GPS location stamp, allowing you to review where detection events occurred and identify patterns over time.
Alert History Log
The SENTRICK app maintains a timestamped log of all detected scan events — useful for personal awareness and for reporting to authorities if needed.
SENTRICK SHIELD™ Does NOT:
Frequently Asked Questions
Does SENTRICK SHIELD™ protect my data from theft or breaches?
No. SENTRICK SHIELD™ is a proximity notification tool — it detects RFID reader activity near your wallet and sends you an alert. It does not prevent data theft, stop digital breaches, block online fraud, or guarantee the security of your personal or financial information. For data breach concerns, contact your financial institution or visit IdentityTheft.gov (FTC).
Is SENTRICK SHIELD™ a cybersecurity product?
No. SENTRICK SHIELD™ is a physical proximity sensor and notification device. It does not provide network security, endpoint protection, antivirus capabilities, or any form of digital cybersecurity service. For cybersecurity guidance, refer to CISA (cisa.gov) or the FTC (consumer.ftc.gov).
What should I do if I think my data has been compromised?
Contact your bank or card issuer immediately to report unauthorized activity. You can also place a credit freeze at the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion), file a report at IdentityTheft.gov, and report internet crime at IC3.gov. SENTRICK does not provide fraud recovery services.
Does SENTRICK SHIELD™ monitor my online accounts or transactions?
No. SENTRICK SHIELD™ only detects physical RFID proximity events near your wallet. It does not monitor bank accounts, credit cards, online activity, or any digital transactions.
Can SENTRICK SHIELD™ tell me if my card information was stolen?
No. SENTRICK SHIELD™ can notify you that an RFID reader was detected nearby, but it cannot determine whether any card data was actually read, transmitted, or used. Only your card issuer can confirm unauthorized transactions.
Where can I get official guidance on protecting my personal data?
The FTC offers free guidance at consumer.ftc.gov/topics/identity-theft. CISA provides cybersecurity resources at cisa.gov. The FBI IC3 accepts internet crime reports at ic3.gov. These are the authoritative sources for data protection guidance in the United States.
Stay Informed About Physical RFID Activity
Explore SENTRICK SHIELD™ — a card-sized sensor that sends real-time proximity alerts when an RFID reader is detected near your wallet.
SENTRICK SHIELD™ is a consumer proximity notification device manufactured by Anima Technology, LLC. It is not a cybersecurity product, data breach prevention service, identity theft protection service, or guarantee against financial fraud. SENTRICK does not monitor digital accounts, contact financial institutions, or provide any form of cybersecurity service. All government statistics referenced on this page are sourced from publicly available reports published by the FTC, FBI, and CISA. If you believe your personal or financial data has been compromised, contact your financial institution immediately and visit IdentityTheft.gov for free recovery guidance.