(Entertainment-NewsWire.com, August 12, 2015 ) Dover, PA -- An RFID blocking passport wallet is an essential item for travelers, according to Charles Hynes of Travel Navigator Accessories. With more credit cards and passports including RFID tags that contain personal information identity theft is more serious of a risk for travelers than it has ever been.
In 2007 United States passports started including RFID tags and in recent years major credit card companies have also been including RFID tags in a quickly-increasing number of credits. While RFID tags do serve an important purpose and in many ways they can decrease the threat of fraud, they pose other threats that travelers need to be aware of.
According to Hynes, if a criminal has an RFID reader or scanner that is capable of accessing information from credit cards and passports travelers are at risk, and many of them are not aware of it. The RFID tags contain sensitive personal information that is often used for identity theft.
RFID tags can serve many different purposes. Their increasing popularity in credit cards is partly an attempt to prevent the currently-common tactic of placing a scanner on a credit card swiping device that will rip off consumers when they swipe their cards at stores, restaurants, and gas stations. The cards with RFID tags can be read without being swiped, reducing the risk of that type of criminal activity. However, consumers should be aware of the added possible vulnerability due to the RFID tags.
Charles Hynes said "Most travelers are carrying a few credit cards and a passport with them at all times. Criminals already target travelers and tourists, and with the rise in popularity of RFID tags they will continue to target tourists. Travelers need to be aware of the risk of identity theft and protect themselves in the appropriate ways."
Hynes recommends that travelers use an RFID blocking wallet or passport holder, like the one his company sells, as one layer of protection. He also recommends carrying a wallet in front of the body, or at least at the side. Carrying the wallet in a back pocket makes it easier for thieves to get a scanner close to a victim without the victim's knowledge.
About Travel Navigator
Travel Navigator is a newly formed company that sells an RFID blocking passport wallet to prevent pickpocketing and identity theft. The company is focused on providing safety and convenience-oriented travel accessories.
