The Gun Counter

While cruising through the local Dollar General, I happened upon what is advertised as a RFID wallet. The price was $5.50, so I bought one.

It is labeled as a "ID Steel Defense Wallet" and the package states it has "advanced solid inner metal construction" and "Block all RFID radio frequency signal." The company logo is Handy Trends for what that is worth.

Made in China, of course.

The wallet itself is silver in color, flexible, and it crinkles when opened. While rather crude in appearance (it looks like it was sewn together with a sewing machine), it has all the basic features of a typical wallet for the hip pocket. Looks like it might last a year or two.

Anyone familiar with how effective it is?

I wouldn't bet on any $5 Chinese anti-RFID wallet at Dollar General working 100%, unles I actually tested it.
The going price for RFID wallets is about $20 and up.
http://www.idstronghold.com/

I suspect it is just a sheet of metal foil sandwiched between the leather exterior and the cloth interior (hence the crinkling sound when the wallet is opened).

I need to find a way to test it.

Unless there is metal to metal contact along the entire perimeter of the closure, it is worthless for RF shielding.

I've heard that an empty Altoids mint tin works well.

Darrell wrote:I've heard that an empty Altoids mint tin works well.

Lead foil should do nicely........