RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a tracking method that uses RFID tags and readers to determine an item’s exact location within a specific area. RFID is cost effective and does not interfere with the daily routines of customers and employees. Since RFID is so simple, it is widely implemented in retail outlets and grocery stores to prevent theft. RFID is also used to locate employees and prevent unauthorized personnel from entering restricted areas. In order to prevent RFID from working properly, however, many manufacturers have produced “RFID blockers” that are able to interfere with the radio signals that RFID units use.

 

Secure Sleeves

A secure sleeve is a small pouch that fits one or two RFID ID badges, RFID-enabled passports, or RFID-enabled access cards. Secure sleeves allow users to store RFID cards when they are not being used and prevent the card from transmitting the user’s location. When a user wishes to use his/her RFID-enabled card, he/she can take the card out of its sleeve and use it for regular applications. Likewise, secure sleeves are available in badge forms that provide the same protection from RFID tracking, but feature a transparent front film so that users can still use their badges for regular non-RFID activities.

 

Secure Wallet

Like secure sleeves, secure wallets are designed to prevent nearby RFID readers from reading multiple RFID-enabled cards inside of the user’s wallet. Also, secure wallets are available in several different materials such as stainless steel and brass mesh, which safeguard the contents of the user’s wallet from unauthorized RFID readers.

 

RFID Blocker Tags

RFID blocker tags are tags that are similar to RFID tags, but are designed to counteract the effects of nearby RFID readers. Since RFID readers are only able to read one RFID tag at a time, RFID readers communicate with RFID tags in order of serial number. Therefore, an RFID blocker is able to prevent RFID readers from reading any RFID tags by constantly broadcasting its own serial number. However, RFID blocker tags may be illegal in some areas due to their interference with nearby RFID tags.