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I read an article in the news today called "Police caution that credit-card chips make it easier for thieves".

Apparently, because the chips are transmitting a radio signal (an RFID), this signal can be picked up from a device on a thieves cellphone or laptop and used to steal your account information or personal details.

The story claims that you can enhance your protection by getting "card-shielding sleeves or wallets".

What are the the materials that make this possible and other options in regards to RFID shielding/protection for my cards?

I found some wallet makers that provide this protection, but how do I choose...

Can I just wrap my wallet in tinfoil (shiny side out or in)?

EDIT:
More articles:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/story/2010/05/31/f-rfid-credit-cards-security-concerns.html
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2009/05/15/tech-090615-enhanced-drivers-licence-privacy-security-us-border-rfid.html

SaultDon
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1 Answers1

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The chips are not transmitting anything, unless they're very close (millimeters' distance) to an RFID reader that induces them.

You can protect them by putting a barrier so that the induction won't work, there are several (very cheap/free, like this one for example) products for that, and many wallets have the shielding capabilities nowadays. Wrapping them in foil might very well help as well.

littleadv
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