Security tags such as hang tags are provided for mounting on merchandise in a retail setting. The security tags include a substrate, an RFID chip, an antenna, and a protection circuit. The chip is affixed to the substrate, while the antenna and the protection circuit are electrically connected to the chip. The security tag is connected to a piece of merchandise by an attachment element associated with the substrate. The attachment element is configured such that removal of the security tag from a piece of merchandise will damage the protection circuit. The RFID chip is configured to generate a first signal which triggers an alarm if the first signal is received by an RFID reader of a security system. The RFID chip will also trigger an alarm if the protection circuit is damaged by the security tag being removed by a customer in the shopping area or other secure area.