I assume he is using cash and writing cheques?
This still results in transactions being made in his accounts, which are computerised.
Also, it didn’t stop him being ripped off for a million dollars by someone who offered to make a superhero movie for him, then didn’t.
That was his own poor judgement, as is everything else he says.
FYI, I had contactless disabled on my own debit card. (I do security and have seen what can happen with stolen cards… ) It’s something that most banks will do on request.