5-Minute Project Video: Snooper-Proof Wallet

By popsci Posted 08.15.2007 at 11:39 am 2 Comments

As more and more credit cards and other documents come equipped with RFID tags—the tiny radio-frequency identification chips that beam your account or ID info to readers used by various services (public transportation, toll road fees, etc)—the more speculation has surfaced on how malicious ID thieves could potentially use similar readers to lift your personal data without your knowledge. Thankfully, it's pretty simple to keep your info protected right in your wallet. Web editor Megan Miller demonstrates above. —John Mahoney

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popsci

08/16/07 at 4:20 am

It would be good if you could show that this actually works. Take it to your local RFID scanner and record what happens when your card is inside the wallet versus when it is outside the wallet.

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popsci

08/27/07 at 11:24 am

I tried this. I have to admit, I was very sceptical when I watched the video. My work ID badge is embedded with an RFID to get me through the security doors. I've just kept the card in my wallet and have been able to just lean up to the scanner by the door. With the foil liner in my wallet, the scanner did not detect my card at all, and I had to actually remove the card from my wallet to scan in. I was very impressed that such a simple solution could provide such an effective level of protection. Thanks.