Are RFID cards the answer?

Do you watch late-night TV? Chances are then that you have seen advertisements for RFID protecting wallets. Is that something that you might need? Check your credit cards to find the answer.
RFID credit and debit cards were introduced in the 2000s to help speed up checkout for small transactions. They were designed so that all you had to do was touch your card to the terminal and it would read the information it transmitted. No more swiping or dipping (which was just being introduced around the world was well). It takes about 5 seconds to complete the transaction, a godsend for a busy merchant.
But with any technology there is a downside. Criminals immediately began using RFID readers to steal the information off of the card. Just like with the payment terminals, the thieves could read the information in about 5 seconds, or about the amount of time you would take your eyes off of your wallet to get that double mocha latte at Starbucks. The thief does not even need to touch the card, just get a few inches away, which is not hard in a busy store.
There is security built into RFID transmitters. They are designed to work for only one transaction, so at the very least the thief (in theory) should only have enough information for one transaction. And it seems that they are working, as very few cases of fraud have been reported but the question is, is it because of their security or just simply because of their small market-share (only around 3.5% of the U.S. Market). Just like why most computer viruses are developed for Windows as opposed to Macs, the thieves want to get as much information as possible as easily as possible, and don’t want to bother with the smaller market shares.
So back to the late night television. You might have just seen an ad if you are using this for your late-night reading (hopefully not to put you to sleep!). RFID wallets can make it more difficult but they do not completely block all radio signals. If you have a RFID card, maybe aluminum foil is your best bet!
Oh, as a bonus for our clients, if you are interested in an RFID sleeve then give Jeff and call. We’re handing them out for free!