If you’re looking for advanced methods of physical identity theft protection, look no further than your pocket or purse. A new breed of wallets is emerging, specially designed to help protect your identity. With the holidays around the corner, this type of super-wallet could double as a great gift.

The problem: Sensitive, personal data is now being stored on many credit/debit cards, passports and drivers’ licenses that are RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) enabled. This is definitely information that you don’t want getting into an identity thief’s hands.

The solution: They go by many names: RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) blocking wallets, organizers, etc., but they serve the same purpose – to block RFID-embedded cards from being read while they are stored in the wallet.

This type of identity theft gained popularity in the U.S. after U.S passports, credit/debit cards, and drivers’ licenses were embedded with RFID chips. These chips carry personal information about the owner of the card, but present a security concern since identity thieves can easily order an RFID reader online, and easily scan wallets in busy places, such as airports, coffee shops and malls.

This type of theft is just another reason why I recommend having an identity and credit monitoring product that helps you protect yourself against identity theft.