RFID-blocking debit card holder

RainbowsInTheSpray

I've been spooked recently by tales of criminals using card readers fraudulently to get data from unshielded contactless debit cards. Can anyone vouch for these pouch/sleeve things which are supposed to block any such activity?

glennevis

I don't have an RFID wallet. I bought a pack of plastic RFID blocking sleeves (25 for less than a fiver) so I keep each card in a separate sleeve in my wallet.

It's a good idea to check that whatever you buy works. When you go shopping leave the card in its sleeve and it doesn't register on the card reader, take it out and payment goes through.

flaneurs_lobster

glennevis said:

It's a good idea to check that whatever you buy works. When you go shopping leave the card in its sleeve and it doesn't register on the card reader, take it out and payment goes through.

This.

Bought a new card/billfold wallet some time ago, proudly claims RFID shielding, completely false claim. Also doesn't block card-sized tracker.

Since it was a £10 market-stall purchase, and I didn't want/need blocking anyways, didn't care.

MattMattMattUK

RainbowsInTheSpray said:

I've been spooked recently by tales of criminals using card readers fraudulently to get data from unshielded contactless debit cards. 

There are lots of things criminals can do in theory, then there are the things they actually do. They do not skim card details wirelessly at a distance even though it is theoretically possible when a single card is in isolation, to do it when two ore more cards are carried in the same wallet requires a large amount of kit, several aerials, a laptop etc.

RainbowsInTheSpray said:

Can anyone vouch for these pouch/sleeve things which are supposed to block any such activity?

Some do work, others do not, but again it depends on the tech used, stronger signals and better aerials could get a result through even the best pouch, however many sold do not block anything. Not that even the ones that work initially tend to fail over time, the wires inside that form the Faraday cage bend and snap and they stop attenuating the signal.

You are fully protected by card legislation in the incredibly unlikely event that this happened, just carry on as normal.

forgotmyname

I agree with testing the items, often if your phone has NFC you can read the data from the cards,  We tested some wallets being sold and
the phone could still read them.

Also tested suggestions for blocking remote car keys and many failed like putting them in the fridge or a microwave. Signals could still get
through.

matelodave

I tried my car keys inside an RFID pouch inside a biscuit tin and I could still open the car door if I held it close enough. The pouch on its own was useless.

 I'd guess that a good old Golden Virginia tobacco tin would be better than some of these so call Faraday pouches and card holders

RainbowsInTheSpray

Thanks for all the thoughts. Doesn't seem to be much of a vote in favour of the things!

RumRat

Don't use the cards use your phone....Safer than cards.

Bookowl

I have a RFID wallet but don’t know if it’s any good tbh. The wallet might be better than using your phone. I’d worry encase the phone got stolen and then I wouldn’t be able to cancel the cards - as everything’s connected to my phone.

flaneurs_lobster

forgotmyname said:

Also tested suggestions for blocking remote car keys and many failed like putting them in the fridge or a microwave. Signals could still get
through.

Surprised by that, I always thought that if the microwaves can't get out and cook my nadgers when I'm reheating my curry then car key activation would also be blocked.

Different wavelengths I guess.

molerat

matelodave said:

I tried my car keys inside an RFID pouch inside a biscuit tin and I could still open the car door if I held it close enough. The pouch on its own was useless.

 I'd guess that a good old Golden Virginia tobacco tin would be better than some of these so call Faraday pouches and card holders

My car would not unlock or start with the key in a pouch, even resting the pouch on the contact pad didn't work.