step 2Find the Chip

step 2Find the Chip

In this instructable, I am using an old, deactivated debit card. I found the RFID chip in a previous card by cutting into it randomly.
I DO NOT recommend this method if you don't know where the chip is, as you could obviously damage the chip and make it unusable.
I do not know if all cards are setup with the RFID in the same location, but if they are, my guidelines will give you a good idea where to start.

If not, I was able to see the impression of the chip on the back of the card when I looked at it from an angle in a well lit room (it appeared as a small square impression only a few millimeters across).

Make sure to mark out a guideline to cut along that goes from the bottom of the magnetic strip to the top of the imprinted card numbers. This will yield a decent size chunk of the card with the RFID in the center

How to turn your cellphone into a credit/debit card

introHow to turn your cellphone into a credit/debit card

Easy to do mod for an extra credit/debit card with RFID chip (i.e. Paypass).

Using this method, you will be able to locate and extract the RFID chip in your spare
Paypass-capable card and place it in your cellphone. This will allow you to present your cellphone at Paypass terminals (movie theaters, McDonalds, etc..) and pay using the RFID chip.

step 3How to block a RFID tag

step 3How to block a RFID tag

Luckily RFID tag signals can easily be blocked. This means that you will have the option to use the tag whenever you want, and prevent others from being able to read it.

The signal sent out by a RFID tag is easily blocked by metal. This means that placing the RFID tag inside of a Faraday cage will prevent the information from being read.

There are already two Instructables on how to build RFID blocking containers:

RFID Secure Wallet

Make a RFID Shielding Pouch Out of Trash

Or if you would rather spend money on something you could build, head over to Think Geek for their RFID blocking wallet and RFID blocking Passport Holder .

step 2Where can RFID chips be found

As RFID chips become cheaper, the number of devices that include them grows.

Currently there are RFID tags in:

- US passports: The RFID tag contains all the information that is written in the passport, along with a digital picture

- Transportation payments: Things like New York's EZ Pass, Florida's Sun Pass, and California's Fast Trak are all RFID based toll payment systems.

- Access control: Many buildings and schools require RFID tagged cards to be used for entry.

- Credit cards: Chase, and a few other banks, now issue credit cards embedded with RFID chips, called "blink". They are able to convince people it is an added convenience, but in reality it is a huge security risk.



There are many other devices which contain RFID tags; however, the ones listed are the most common and offer the greatest security risk.

step 1Reasons for blocking / destroying RFID chips

step 1Reasons for blocking / destroying RFID chips

The main reason someone would want to block or destroy RFID chips would be to maintain privacy. In the last step I explained that RFID tags can be read from very long distances. The potential for abuse of this technology grows as more and more products and devices are being created with these tags built in.

Companies are getting consumers to blindly accept many RFID tagged products with the promise of convenience; however, most of the devices that contain RFID tags don't really need them. The tags may save a few seconds, but sacrifice an enormous amount of privacy and security. It is now possible for someone, with relatively simple equipment, to walk down a busy sidewalk and pickup the personal information of people carrying RFID tagged devices, without them even knowing.

Being able to block or destroy these chips allows people to decide what type of information they are willing to sacrifice for convenience.

Integrated RFID Solutions

Because ActiveWave designs its own RFID tags, readers, and host software, we are able to provide you with a seamless integrated RFID solution. An ActiveWave RFID integrated solution is capable of tracking such diverse elements as containers, pallets, furniture, test equipment, vehicles, and hospital patients.
Real-Time Inventory Tracking
An Active RFID integrated solution can generate an updated inventory and track the exact location of goods in real time. The system can keep track of virtually any activity of the tagged equipment or inventory. The system will identify and track the items at any point in the warehouse or any part of the building that the system is installed.
Total Visibility through RFID
An ActiveWave RFID integrated solution can help reduce the obsolete stock by providing real time product status information. The amount of idle inventory tied up in store and warehouses can thus be dramatically reduced through the effective use of information that this system will provide.
Our RFID integrated solution is capable of displaying a map of the warehouse, parking lot, or building depending on the RFID application. This map, stored in our database, can be used by your personnel to search for the location of a person, equipment or inventory, and display their location in real-time.
Reconciliation of Inventory
Currently, the process of reconciling actual inventory against the product database is very time consuming and expensive especially if done manually or through the use of barcodes.
An ActiveWave RFID integrated solution, on the other hand, can check stock and inventories received and dispatch items automatically.
Reduction of Theft and Shrinkage
The system will allow internal theft and other forms of inventory shrinkage to be rapidly identified, and eliminated.