You might have heard of RFID-blocking wallets or seen them advertised, but do you know what RFID means or how these items actually work? Now that contactless has risen to £100 in the UK, some experts have warned that this change will make contactless cards more of a target for fraudsters so we want to provide you with the information you need to be aware of. The acronym RFID stands for radio-frequency identification. RFID tags contain both an integrated circuit and an antenna which are used to hold and transmit data onto a RFID reader wirelessly using radio waves. Put simply, they are clever labels that store information that can be read from a distance. Credit cards, debit cards, driver’s licences, passports and identification cards are all examples of items that now come with these embedded radio-frequency identification tags to allow for contactless payments and wireless transfer of information such as your identity. While this technology can be great to make transactions easy, it also poses the threat of making our information vulnerable to electronic pickpocketing. Digital fraud can occur without our items even being touched and will go unnoticed until it’s too late by a process known as RFID skimming. It is possible for hackers to retrieve this sensitive information using a RFID receiver near your wallet or bag, giving them access to your bank account among other things. Although fraud on contactless cards compared to online fraud is relatively low, with the new contactless limit increasing to more than double, it is understandable to be even more concerned about protecting your credit cards. A few different methods currently used to prevent skimming range from cheap solutions such as using aluminium foil (this only reduces the effectiveness of card readers and is not a reliable method) to the more expensive designs that use more substantial materials designed exclusively for RFID protection (which work well, but come at a price). A reliable middle ground that doesn’t break the bank, but still provides the solution to any of your concerns, is using a nickel and copper weave integrated into the materials as seen in our Lifeventure wallets and accessories range. All of our wallets are made using a recycled nylon fabric which includes this protective barrier, making them not only sustainable, but durable and tough too. They come in a stylish range of colours and with different pocket options for your needs. The RFID wallet even comes with an external pocket that is not RFID protected so you can still use your travel cards with ease. To ensure this protective barrier continues to last and provide peace of mind your information is safe, it is important to purchase from a reputable brand. This is why we know you will be happy with the high-quality products you have come to expect from Lifeventure. View our full range of RFID protection wallets, bags and accessories.
