A pertinent question to ask is: How far can these continuous RFID radio waves reach? 
Answer: The RFID technology in credit, debit, and government issued IDs is transmitted through High Frequency Waves. 
The Near Field Communication (NFC) in contactless cards uses a 13.56Mhz radio frequency that only transmits digital data 
within a range of 0cm-10cm (0-4 inches)

Concerns About RFID Technology

As with everything, the more RFID technology is used, the more people become concerned with their information being hacked and skimmed by thieves. Theses concerns are valid because theoretically a card with RFID technology means any RFID card reader in the vicinity of 0 to 4 inches of the tag can pick up the unique card data.   

Interestingly, we found that years ago, the RFID technology could transmit data up to 300ft. That is extremely concerning. Luckily, things have changed and there have been regulations put in place standardizing  just how far digital data can be transmitted via the RFID. The farthest distance is no more than 10cm. Given the regulated nature of the RFID technology in 2023, there appears to be far less of a reason to be concerned over your card information being hacked by someone intercepting the radio frequency in passing. 

Another added security feature that most banks employ when customers use RFID cards is that purchases will require a pin after the maximum purchase limit has been reached during the transaction. This amount is usually $50. So, the thief wouldn't be able to access more than $50 from your account without your personal pin number. 

The RFID readers found near the POS systems at stores have also been updated with technology that encrypts the card data being transferred in order to prevent hackers from stealing personal information during a sale. 

It's looking more and more like we don't need to be very concerned about our card information being stolen via RFID. 

That being said, there is always going to be a risk with RFID enabled credit/debit cards. Portable RFID readers can be easily purchased online, meaning someone with a reader who gets within 10cm (4 inches) of the card can potentially skim information from the card. Four inches doesn't seem like a very accessible proximity to be in, especially if two people are strangers; yet, it only takes someone brushing past you on the sidewalk or someone bumping into you at a store to be able to swipe information from your card. 

What information can these thieves get from my card? What card information is emitted from the RFID chip? 

Another positive to RFID readers is they only pick up the card number and the expiration date. They do not grab the CVV nor the cardholder's name. This will make it very difficult for thieves to use the information they obtain to make purchases online. A lot of retailers require CVV, name, and billing address before purchases can be made. 

Another perk is that if someone does steal your card information and is able to make a purchase, you will not be liable for the charges. If the fraudulent charges  are reported promptly to your bank, the bank will refund or cancel the transactions made by the thief. 
Then, the bank will begin their own investigation into catching the thief. Usually, it is not very difficult. 

How can you prevent someone using a RFID reader from stealing your card information? It's simple! 

The chances of having credit card information stolen by a thief with a RFID reader are very low; however, the risk does exist. 
It boils down to personal preference. Do you want to take the risk of someone stealing your card info or will you ensure this does not happen?

In the Executive Protection field, the chances of having our data stolen via RFID is higher. We are around some very powerful individuals. Thieves who recognize a celebrity might try harder to reach someone within the celebrity's circle. The theory many people have is that anyone who works for a wealthy person is also getting paid well. This theory is absolutely false but thieves don't know that. 

There have been times where female executive protection agents are given the principal's credit card and asked to research and book reservations during downtime or even to run out and get something for him/her. There needs to be no doubt in an agent's mind that the card information doesn't fall into the wrong hands.  

We think being cautious is the best option. How can we protect our cards from these sneaky data skimmers?

As mentioned above, RFID tags in credit/debit cards use a 13.56Mhz radio frequency. This particular frequency can be easily blocked by a piece of tin foil being wrapped around the card. But, let's be real... most people don't like the look of foil being wrapped around their cards, so companies have come up with RFID blocking wallets and accessories. 

Below we have listed three different choices that we approve of for women working in the EP field.