You can’t be too careful these days. The economy’s in the crapper and almost everyone’s looking for an easy way to make a couple of extra bucks. You know what’s a hassle-free way to get some fast cash? Steal it. Now, it all depends on your stealth level, but money for nothing is an enticing enough offer that a lot of people are gonna go for it regardless. While you should look out for the cash you have on you right now, you should also be aware of your online assets. I’m talking about the latest and greatest in thief technology: identity theft. Not only do they have your cash and credit cards, but they have access to everything you’ve ever touched. It’s a pretty frightening thought, right? And there’s nowhere where you’re more vulnerable than when you’re traveling abroad. Think about it, you’re supposed to keep your passport on you at all times, right? What better way to steal your identity than without even having to physically pilfer your documents?
Maybe you’re ready to stop being a sitting duck and you actually want to protect your good name and financial standing? If that’s so, then the RFID Blocking Passport Billfold (ThinkGeek, $17.99) is a good step towards achieving peace of mind. See, this item protects you from technologically savvy hackers who scan your passport’s RFID tags, which basically allows them full access to all your personal information. And here’s the kicker – thieves don’t even have to get that close to you. They can scan your information from up to 30 feet away, and you’ve never even know. This billfold blocks the radio waves from reaching the RFID chip, so your information stays safe. By the way, in case you think this technology has nothing to do with you because you don’t travel internationally, you should know that some states are considering embedding RFID chips in driver’s licenses. In fact, New York already offers an enhanced license that is RFID equipped for use at the border in lieu of a U.S. passport. Also, some credit cards are utilizing this technology to make it easier for consumers to shop (think Chase’s blink card) without ever having to get out their credit card. Oh, and E-Z Pass? That’s RFID too.
Alright, so maybe none of this means anything to you, maybe you think that you’re way smarter that all those thieves and hackers out there. Did I mention that the government can use RFID to track your movements? Sure, they say they won’t, but do you really believe that? After all, that’s how E-Z Pass works. Did you ever wonder how E-Z Pass knows when you’re speeding in between tolls? It’s because they’re scanning your RFID chip and calculating how long it took you to get from one checkpoint to the other. Still wanna leave that to chance?
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Blocks radio waves from the RFID chip in your passport
-Prevents unauthorized access to your personal information
-Includes space for standard passports, four credit cards, driver’s license, and a pocket for folding money
