The RFID Myth Exposed

So a few weeks back, The Clever Travel Companion posted a blog article on the reason it doesn't offer RFID products or technology. You can read more on our blog, but to summarize, the reasons we don't advocate RFID tech is that simply put, it's an expensive marketing gimmick. A gimmick that requires hysteria in order to gain momentum but by doing so, takes focus away from the real problems.

Sure RFID has it's uses; if you're one of the few with a wireless capable credit card, then you'd better hope you don't run into an incredibly sophisticated hacker who just happens to be in public with his equipment preying on unsuspecting members of the general populous during his time away from say, preventing government cyber attacks or hacking Yahoo or Bitcoin. It's enough of a chance to spend $120 on a new wallet right? Besides, there's skepticism out there that all wallets work and if you are to be "electronically pickpocketed", your bank will protect you and return the funds in most cases. If you are physically pickpocketed, its a very different proposal.

 

Vicky's Story: Vicky from the UK (pictured above) placed her order of Ladies underwear and 2 pocket tank tops with Clever Travel Companion before her round the world trip in 2016. She'd prepared as much as possible, buying into the RFID hype too. Recently Vicky got in touch with us to let us know how things went: "I knew the chances of an RFID 'hack' would be low but having a few wireless payment cards, I didn't mind spending out for the added protection just to be double sure nothing could happen, so I bought an RFID purse and kept it in my bag as it was pretty bulky. My main cards, my cash, ID and passport stayed in either a pair of my underwear or one of the tanks I had bought. One day, whilst riding a tram in Barcelona I noticed a gentle tug on my bag but when I turned around there was nobody there so I thought nothing of it but when I checked my bag, the whole RFID purse had been stolen. I was absolutely gutted and felt very stupid until I realized that all the important valuables were still very much in my possession and safe and sound - that I can put down to Clever Travel Companion. If it wasn't for the tank I was wearing that day, my whole trip would have come to a very disappointing end"

 

Vicky's story is just one of the many we hear from our customers. The reason we exist after all is because of this exact scenario - pickpocketing. It's happened to us and it can happen to anyone. 

The Clever Travel Companion will be creating a new page on site to host the many testimonials we receive and each one will also be used in a blog post and possibly in our Traveler's stories series of newsletters. If you have a travel story or a CTC testimonial that you'd like to tell us, we would love to hear from you! Just send Rory an email at rory@clevertravelcompanion.com and you'll be added to our testimonials page and could also make it into the newsletter.
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