Data can be “Skimmed” from the chip inside your smart passport. Smart passports have RFID (radio frequency identification) chips that transmit personal data through radio waves. Thieves use small devices called “skimmers” to intercept data. Held next to a purse or wallet, it takes only a few seconds for these devices to intercept your passport data. Skimmers can read names and country of origin from passports up to 10 metres away.