Radio Frequency Identification, or RFID, is a generic term for technologies that use radio waves to automatically identify people or objects. Credit cards that use this technology are currently being issued by all the major credit card companies such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, and are being distributed to consumers as an alternative to magnetic strip cards. You may already be carrying one of these RFID enabled cards in your wallet and not even know it.

These cards are often referred to as "contactless smartcards" or RFID enabled cards. Inside an RFID card is a small microchip and antenna that are able to communicate with an RFID reader. Because of their ability to store large amounts of data, and the fact that it makes check-out a lot more convenient and faster, the production and use of RFID enabled credit/debit cards are projected to keep growing at a rapid rate.

The problem lies in the fact that thieves are now using RFID readers of their own to scan a person's credit card information, without ever touching them! This is because an RFID reader uses radio waves to communicate with an RFID enabled card, and is able to read the card right through a person's wallet, even if their wallet is in their pocket. Depending on the frequency of the RFID reader, a thief can be anywhere from 1- 15 feet within your range to scan your cards.

RFID Thieves typically hang out at crowded areas where they can be close to people without being too conspicuous, such as the outside entrances to malls and stores, or even sitting quietly in a coffee shop with their lap top open.

This is where the Flipside Wallet™ comes in—a wallet capable of protecting your RFID enabled cards, so noone can take your card information without your permission or knowledge. The wallets unique, Patent Pending design not only shields your cards from RFID theft, but it also has a secure locking mechanism to insure that the wallet does not accidentally pivot open while inside your pocket or bag, which could create a hole in the shielding effect and expose your cards.

Protect the wonderful convenience of RFID enabled cards with the Flipside Wallet™. Check out all of the wallet's features here.




RFID LINKS

RFID-Enabled Credit Card Theft
http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-3513_7-6658127-1.html

Researchers See Privacy Pitfalls in No-Swipe Credit Cards
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/23/business/23card.html

VIDEO: Mythbusters stopped from doing 'RFID Vulnerability' episode
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X034R3yzDhw&NR=1

Gadget Blog hacks RFID-enabled credit cards for $8
http://tv.boingboing.net/2008/03/19/how-to-hack-an-rfide.html 

RFID Technology
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RFID