My father-in-law is concerned about the new RFID chip passports and came across this online:

http://www.paraben-forensics.com/rfi...-security.html

Has anyone heard of such carrying cases or know how effective they might be?

Thanks!

Interesting website TexasAggie. I wonder how one can determin if it really works or not? I certainly have read that some privacy security experts are very concerned about the new RFID chip passports. It will be interesting to see what other Fodorites think. Have a good weekend!!

Hi LoveItaly

I have been working day and night with tax season and have been pretty out of the "travel loop" for several weeks but last I had heard, many security firms were pretty concerned about possible skimming of private information... I believe this possibility is what has my father-in-law concerned. Excellent point though, how would we know if it was really working or not? Hmmm

Hi dear, I was wondering where you were, thought maybe you were on a trip, I am sorry that wasn't the case, lol.

Probably this case is alright but than I have read about companies that are taking advantage of the public's worries and fears. I was wondering where you could check into this company. Are they new or do you know? I am going to read the entire website completely this afternoon as I have a hungry grandson arriving in a few moments. Hope you get a break from work at some point!!

Hi TA,

1. The passport RFID chips are "passive", that is they require energy from the reader device to power them. They don't trsnsmit by themselves.

2. If FIL is concerned, he can wrap his passport in heavy-duty aluminum foil.

IMO this is just another example of a company playing to and praying on the fears of the public. Tell him to save the $20 + S&H and do as Ira says - wrap the pp in Al foil.

I do that when wish to shield my toll road token. (similar RFID technology)

LOL, ira!
I love the suggestion. I'll pass it on, albeit delicately worded.

FIL is not usually overly paranoid, I just think this has him worried because he has dealt with identity theft in the past year when his debit card was stolen.

Where is muffin when we need him? Just picture aluminum foil lined leather jeans

Hi Texas Aggie, my savy 20 year old grandson was here and I had him look at the website. His comment was "her FIL could just wrap his passport in aluminum foil and save a lot of money grandma". Sooo, maybe aluminum foil is the answer? I sure don't know.

The aluminum foil hat I wear constantly has protected me from alien brain scans so far. I think.

PS,

The range of the RFID chip is only 4 ins.

why are you worried? that locals will ignore the Rangers cap & AA ticket dangling from your front shirt pocket and use some high tech method to determine that in fact you are a tourist?