Many years ago when Mighty Wallet was booming in sales customers came to me and asked if I was going to make an “RFID” version of the Mighty Wallet. At the time I knew that RFID was going to be a huge buzzword in the industry but I made an ethical choice as a designer to not add this “technology” to my products.
Here are some of the reasons why...
RFID-blocking wallets can work. But do you really need one?
We weren’t able to find any credible reports of actual, real-world RFID identity or credit card theft. It may be happening—it would be very hard to precisely identify if it were—but it’s certainly not widespread.
It makes for a nifty demonstration by a hacker, but as Snopes notes, in 2010 the Identity Theft Resource Center had never seen a case—and it still doesn’t recommend RFID protection.
So here’s the deal: in theory the RFID chips that are in your credit cards can be skimmed with a reader without actually touching your wallet or pocket. It’s also called “electronic pickpocketing”. Sounds scary right?
Before the panic sets in let’s consider a few things;
1 - Don't believe everything you read DYOR!
DYOR is an acronym for "Do Your Own Research"
There’s a great website for sniffing out the fake news called Snopes. They did some research into the truth about RFID wallets and the phenomenon this has had in the media. Become an educated consumer - know the truth!
2 - Stealing your card info is much more difficult than portrayed.
You could be led to think that RFID crime is the easiest theft in the world but consider these facts about RFID technology;
3 - Theft from “electronic pickpocketing” is incredibly rare.
In the UK they have had RFID cards much longer than the USA and here’s a quote from a 2016 UK report on credit card theft and fraud.
“Fraud on contactless cards and devices represents just 1.1 per cent of overall card fraud.” and what’s more the amounts of theft are generally very low.
In contrast - ATM fraud (where your card or a copy of it is used with your pin) went up 32% from 2015 to 2016.
But I’m not the only one out there trying to dispel this myth check out these other resources;
All things considered, Privacy and Security
There Are Plenty Of RFID-Blocking Products, But Do You Need Them?
Tekzilla
RFID Wallets vs. Aluminum Foil
Money Tips
Why Dropping Cash On RFID-Blocking Tech Is A Waste Of Money
AARP - Scams & Fraud
So far, there's no proof that RFID skimming has been used in identity theft
NY Times Wirecutter
Are RFID-Blocking Wallets Necessary?
A Cheap RIFD Wallet hack that you can do at home
If you’re still freaked out by RFID skimmers do what Consumer Reports suggests and wrap your card or wallet in a thick sheet of Aluminum foil. It works as well as most RFID protectors on the market and it’s why I made this video back in 2011
RFID Proof your wallet - Simple HACK
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9YgoMN4dK0
Seneca once said “time discovers truth” I'm just trying to hurry that along and teach others the truth about RFID Wallets. DYOR!
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