What Is RFID Blocking and Do You Need It?

Have you ever used a tap-to-pay card and wondered how it works—or if it’s truly secure? Tap-to-pay cards rely on a technology called RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), which allows your card to communicate with payment terminals wirelessly. It’s incredibly convenient, but this same wireless capability has raised concerns about whether criminals can use skimming devices to steal your card information without you even knowing.

RFID-blocking wallets and accessories promise to protect you from this kind of theft, but are they actually necessary? Let’s break down how RFID works, whether you need extra protection, and how to safeguard your personal and financial information—both offline and online.

What Is RFID and How Does It Work?

If you look at your tap-to-pay card, you’ll see a small radio wave icon on its front side. This icon shows the card is fitted with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to transmit payment details wirelessly. RFID is a technology that uses electromagnetic signals to transmit information. That means the card’s RFID chip lets you pay by simply tapping your card on a card machine.

Here’s how it works:

• • 📡  A microchip inside the card stores your card number.
  • 📡  An antenna in the card transmits this information when it’s near an RFID-enabled terminal. The antenna’s range for data transfer is only a few inches.
  • 📡  The payment terminal’s antenna reads the data and processes the payment.

While this system makes payments quick and convenient, some people worry that criminals can use skimming devices to intercept the RFID signal. Enter the RFID-blocking wallet to protect your card when you’re not using it.

What Is an RFID-Blocking Wallet?

RFID-blocking products are designed to protect your cards from unauthorized scanning by disrupting the electromagnetic signals RFID microchips transmit. Products like RFID-blocking wallets use materials like carbon fiber or aluminum to create a barrier (similar to a “Faraday cage”). This barrier prevents the RFID signals that card skimmers send from reaching your card’s antenna. RFID-blocking materials can also prevent passports or other RFID-enabled items from being scanned.

Here’s a comparison of common RFID-blocking tools:

Product Type	Description	Pros	Cons
RFID-Blocking Wallets	Wallets integrated with RFID-blocking materials like aluminum or carbon fiber.	– Convenient all-in-one solution- Available in various styles and materials	– Can be more expensive than standard wallets- Limited to carrying capacity
RFID-Blocking Sleeves	Individual sleeves that encase each card to block RFID signals.	– Inexpensive- Can be used with existing wallets	– Adds bulk to each card- Less durable over time
RFID-Blocking Cards	Cards that emit a jamming signal to protect surrounding cards.	– Easy to use with existing wallets- Protects multiple cards at once	– May not fit in all wallet types- Effectiveness can vary based on placement

These products are convenient, but you don’t need to splurge on a designer purse or an aluminum-lined fanny pack to stay protected. A thick layer of tinfoil from your kitchen may work just as well to keep skimmers from reading the information on your card or passport. Aluminum foil serves as a temporary and inexpensive fix, but it’s important to know that it doesn’t block RFID signals entirely – it only interferes with the signal, so it’s not foolproof.

Whether you buy a purpose-built RFID blocker or build a DIY solution at home, the question remains: Is RFID blocking actually necessary – what are the real risks? Let’s find out.

Do You Really Need RFID Protection?

Concerns about the security of RFID technology have led to a surge in retailers providing RFID-blocking wallets, sleeves, and other protective accessories. Here’s the thing though, you might not need to worry about RFID theft as much as you think. Here’s why:

• • Limited Range: Skimming devices only work at close range – they can only pick up your card’s signal within a few inches/centimeters.
  • Incomplete Data: RFID chips only transmit your card number, not your PIN, the security code, or the expiration date needed for big or online purchases.
  • Encryption Technology: Modern RFID-enabled cards use encrypted, one-time-use codes for each transaction, making it harder for criminals to use stolen data.
  • Limited Transaction Amounts: Contactless payments without additional authentication like a PIN or signature are limited to small amounts. Banks monitor these transactions for unusual activity and may require verification if something seems amiss.

While RFID blocking tools offer an added layer of security and can provide peace of mind, these factors make RFID skimming a low-reward activity for criminals. According to a 2017 report by NPR, instances of RFID skimming are rare, and many modern cards use encryption to protect against such threats. Even if someone manages to skim your card, most banks and credit providers have robust systems in place to detect potential fraud. You typically wouldn’t be held liable for unauthorized transactions, as long as you report them promptly.

Focusing on comprehensive security measures for online transactions is more crucial than buying an RFID blocker. The threat of cybercrime far outstrips card-skimming in today’s digitally-driven world. Prioritizing protection against common threats like data breaches, man-in-the-middle attacks, and unsecured public Wi-Fi is a more effective way to safeguard your financial well-being. Using a VPN can help safeguard your personal information in the digital realm.

Whenever you purchase something from a website, access online banking, or simply use public Wi-Fi, you’re potentially exposing your sensitive data to cybercriminals. That’s why it’s always a good idea to use CyberGhost VPN to secure your credit card transactions and personal information online.

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What to Do If RFID Protection Fails

If you suspect someone has stolen your card information:

1. Call your bank’s fraud department (the number is usually on the back of your card or their website) to report the situation, freeze your card, and request a replacement.
2. Review your account statements online or on your bank’s app immediately and then at least once a week to check for unauthorized transactions. Report any suspicious activity to your bank.
3. Whenever possible, use credit cards over debit cards. Credit cards offer stronger consumer protections against fraud.
4. Set up alerts through your bank’s app or website to be notified of any transactions, transactions over a certain amount, or international transactions.

While RFID scams are rare, it’s always good to stay vigilant. That vigilance should extend to your online activity as well. 

How to Shop and Bank Online Safely from Anywhere

Similar to card skimming, digital skimming has become a favorite tactic for cybercriminals. This happens when hackers insert malicious code (malware) into online stores’ websites to steal customer data during checkout.

Mastercard reports that almost 75% of publicly disclosed breaches in 2022 involved digital skimming. In that year alone, 4,500 new websites were infected by skimmers, representing a 129% increase compared to 2021, with an additional 2,700 sites compromised in 2023. The FBI estimates these scams are now costing banks and cardholders more than $1 billion annually.

While that’s alarming, you can take steps to protect yourself online. It’s best to stick with trusted websites and never save your payment details. Also, look at the URL when the website directs you to the checkout page. The first part of the URL should be the same as the rest of the website, i.e. www.amazon.com > www.amazon.com/checkout vs. www.amazon.com > www.amazon.sales.com/checkout – the 2nd URL example shows you’re no longer on Amazon’s website.

CyberGhost VPN can secure your data with powerful encryption when you shop or bank online to help prevent cybercriminals from stealing your credit card or login details. The VPN encrypts your internet traffic with a special key that changes your data so no one can read it or track your online activity. It’s nearly impossible for anyone to obtain the key and decode your data so you can shop online with more peace of mind. It’s important to keep in mind that a VPN can’t protect you against all digital skimming methods but it can prevent snoopers from hijacking your connection or stealing your data on unencrypted sites and networks.

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