I see that there are companies selling sleeves that you store your passport in so thieves cannot steal your the data stored in the magnetic strip, or data chip or whatever this is called.
It occurred to me a while back and I just stick my passport in the little sleeve that was given to me when I got a Tolltag.
It has a metallic coating that keeps it from being debited.
I am assuming this works for the passport data issues and credit cards, license, etc.
Best of all they are free, if you just ask for one.
Is the assumption that this would work correct?

Yes, the tolltag sleeve will work, as will a piece of Al foil. (also ~ free).

The companies hawking sleeves for ~$20 ea are trying to profit from fear mongering, in my opinion.

Tell you horrible stories of passport info theft, then offer to sell you a remedy for a 'reasonable' price.

The Tolltag sleeve fits perfectly and looks as if it were designed for this purpose

If you don't have access to a TollTag, you can get a package of 3 each for $20 at http://www.idstronghold.com/passportsleeve.php?s=2

I'm not following this. Can someone explain? If a thief steals your passport, don't they just slip it out of the sleeve?

What am I missing here???

It is one of the great gifts to conspiracy theorists -- the Radio Frequency Identification chip. This is similar to the magnetic strip on the back of many credit cards but is a step above. When the chip it is subjected to a magnetic field it is activated and the information on the chip is transmitted. The newer passports contain such a chip with your information. In theory, someone with the proper equipment could read your passport in your pocket without your knowledge. But they would have to standing nearly next to you in line. Now some folks believe that these chips can be activated at great distances and some day satellites will track you every movement. But not today, probably not tomorrow, but maybe next week.

The AL foil or this sleeves prevent the chip from being activated. If you want to worry about that, then spend your money. A far greater risk is a pickpocket getting your passport than someone reading it.

Thanks for the explanation. There's something I think I WON'T bother worrying about
;-)