How Common is RFID Theft?

You probably must have seen how everyone is switching to RFID-blocking, as they are marketed to be an essential tool for protecting your credit cards. But how real is the threat of RFID theft? This question has started raising concerns about the excessive usage of contactless payment cards and other devices enabled by this technology. Radio Frequency Identification lets you enjoy wireless communication. However, not all are comfortable with the advancement as they fear that hackers might still steal their personal information through scanners.

Does this make you curious to learn how common RFID theft is? Then, the blog will guide you on what RFID technology is, its theft, how common it is, why it is not easy, and whether you need products designed with this feature.

What is RFID Technology?

Radio Frequency Identification, or RFID, is a technology that utilizes small chips to transmit data through radio waves without the involvement of any wires. They are found on your credit cards, retail goods, and passports to communicate with the readers.

You experience RFID daily through contactless payment systems, cards for public transportation for quick money collection, and in the retail sector for managing the inventory efficiently while tracking the products and ending the hassle of carrying physical cash.

What is RFID Theft (Skimming)?

You must be wondering what RFID theft scares everybody regarding security. RFID theft or skimming is when hackers employ RFID readers to capture the details transmitted by RFID-featured devices or cards discreetly.

How Does It Work?

Here, thieves can use portable RFID readers that are concealed to scan cards within proximity without physical contact.

The readers open the ground to receive sensitive information in the shape of card numbers and personal details. This happens so skillfully that you fail to figure out when the theft occurred.

How Common Is RFID Theft?

Is RFID theft common or just a rumor that discourages people from using the technology? Let us tell you about the prevalence of RFID theft, myth vs reality, and some expert opinions:

Prevalence

With the increasing number of concerns, evidence suggests that RFID theft is still not an ordinary crime compared to others. Cybersecurity experts and law enforcement agencies reveal that they don’t have enough data to report the number of times RFID skimming was done in their area.

Expert Opinions

Cybersecurity experts and law enforcement representatives stress traditional fraudulent approaches like phishing and ATM skimming. These pose more risk than RFID skimming. According to the Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025, they generally agree that it is rare and not considered a serious threat compared to other kinds of identity theft.

Why is RFID Theft Not as Easy as it Sounds?

RFID theft is often portrayed as a major security threat, but in reality, it’s far more challenging than it seems. Technical barriers like encrypted data, short-range limitations, and advanced security features such as dynamic CVV codes make it difficult for hackers to successfully steal sensitive information.

Technical Challenges

Stealing encrypted RFID data is highly intricate. The majority of the RFID chips transmit limited information. They are usually just unique identifiers instead of full credit card details.

Short Range Limitation

Standard versions of RFID readers have to be within a very short range, to be exact: inches. At this distance, they can only successfully read data, making it challenging for hackers to achieve their goals in crowded environments.

Modern Security Features

Modern RFID-embedded cards steal the show with modern security features in the form of dynamic CVV codes that keep changing or are strong cryptographic protectors—acting as a barrier to stealing data.

Do You Need RFID-Blocking Products?

RFID-blocking products are often marketed as essential security tools, but their necessity depends on your lifestyle. While they may offer peace of mind for frequent travelers, simple precautions like monitoring bank statements and enabling transaction alerts can also protect against potential risks.

Marketing Tactics

The fear of RFID theft is heavily used as a marketing tactic to encourage people to use these wallets and sleeves as an essential security measure, capitalizing on tensions about data breaches.

When Might They Be Useful?

RFID technology offers security for people who are always on the go, such as frequent international travelers in crowded areas, where they think twice before taking a risk.

Alternative Precautions

If you want to save yourself, regularly monitor your bank statements to confirm that only you are drawing out money and enabling transaction messages for any card-related activity.

Conclusion

Summing up the blog, the moral is that RFID theft is technically possible but relatively rare, too, when compared with other more significant crimes. Therefore, take a deep breath and enjoy using your secure wallet.