UF researchers have developed an anti-theft device called the “Skim Reaper” to reduce incidents of stolen credit card information.
The device functions as a mock credit card. It was invented to prevent skimming, which involves stealing card information by using a device planted on common card readers. The “Skim Reaper” displays a warning on a small device attached via wire if the reader has a skimmer.
Under Professor Patrick Traynor, UF doctoral students Christian Peeters and Nolen Scaife developed the device at the Florida Institute for Cyber Security. They partnered with New York Police to conduct field tests in all five boroughs of New York City.
UF researchers plan on launching a model for public use within six to nine months.
“Skimming is a multibillion dollar business,” Scaife said. “We wanted to build a device with the power to detect (card skimming) in the hands of consumers.”
Card skimming has become a problem in Gainesville, said Financial Crimes Detective Ryan McCazzio of Gainesville Police. He said GPD has found skimmers inserted into gas pumps throughout the city and county.
UF researchers plan on launching a model for public use within six to nine months.
GPD has requested a prototype of the “Skim Reaper” for a demonstration.
“The more people who know about it, the better off we’ll be,” McCazzio said.
Follow Dana Cassidy on Twitter @danacassidy_and contact her at dcassidy@alligator.org.
Credit-card skimmer in 2017 at a Texaco gas pump on NE Waldo Rd, as part of "Operation Clean Sweep"
