Kill the bug

 

There are a few ways you can kill RFID tags. Not all of them are foolproof, or even safe. Some of them may destroy the product in which the tag is embedded.

If safety is of little concern, the easiest and fastest way to murder these little spies is to cook them. Throw any RFID-embedded item in the microwave for three to five seconds. This will destroy the antenna and probably melt the chip. Be aware that doing this involves a fire risk, and will almost certainly scorch whatever item you’ve decided to nuke. Your passport will be destroyed, your credit card will be rendered useless, and your underwear may burst into flames. A small price to pay for privacy.

If you can find the chip, you can also physically maul it, either by smashing it with a hammer or stabbing it (an X-acto knife or straight pin works best). If you’re trying to cripple the tag in your passport, stabbing it is a bad idea—passports that bear evidence of physical damage or tampering are no longer legal forms of ID. So think carefully before you get drunk and go after your passport with a carving knife.

The hammer method is best for passports and driver’s licenses. Wrap the ID in a thin towel to avoid leaving big, obvious circles on its face and give it a few solid whacks. Passports without functional tags are still legally acceptable, though you may incur an odd look or a few extra questions from the passport control officer. Avoid the temptation to brag about what you’ve done.