Originally Posted by
geoflyer
The threat of identity theft via RFID reader is apparently real, although I do not know how often it actually happens. Seems like a simple enough precaution. I do not understand however why the new card they sent with the sleeve is a B&W version of the formerly color photo. Seems like a step backward.
Well, it's kind of real. At least with the passport cards, all that's on the chip is a reference number. Someone who gets that reference number could look it up in the State Department database (if they can get access) and then see everything that's on the front page of the passport. In my opinion, it's still more secure even with the RFID issues than a driver's license which includes a lot more vital data.
The sleeve for my passport card doesn't fit in my wallet, so I don't use it.