Electronic pickpockets: fact or fantasy?

As wireless payment transactions grow in popularity, so, too, has the shadow of the electronic pickpocket. These "e-dips" can putatively snatch credit card information from unwary consumers just by being in close proximity. How much of that scenario is probable and how much paranoia? "I wouldn't say it's never been done or it's impossible, but right now it's an academic exercise at best," said Sean Brady, identity and data protection director at RSA, in Bedford, Mass. RSA is the security division of EMC.