A student has almost doubled his £3,300 crowdfunding target to manufacture and sell an innovative wallet which protects against contactless bank card theft.

Ibbe Raja is a BSc (Hons) Computing undergraduate at Leeds Beckett University and is currently undertaking a placement year.

He teamed up with his brother Jalil Raja, 20, and friend Sam Andrews, 20, to create ‘Vinco’ – an ultra-thin wallet that protects against Radio Frequency ID (RFID) theft, which is a form of contactless bank card theft.

Now, thanks to more than 250 people pledging their financial support via the Vinco campaign, hosted by American crowdfunding site indiegogo.com, the trio have so far raised more than £6,000 and can get their business venture and product off the ground.

Ibbe said, “Crowdfunding gives creative projects in need of a cash injection an online platform to garner public funding within an allocated timeframe, and we could not be happier that we have surpassed our target, ahead of the deadline, and that the public have got behind us.

"We are so grateful to every single investor who believes in and has pledged towards the Vinco wallet. Thanks to this major investment, we can now focus on the exciting times ahead – developing the product to make it the best it can be and shipping Vinco wallets to customers around the world.

“Our wallet was made to keep your money portable and, more importantly, safe.

"The fact is, almost all wallets are prone to RFID skimming, and we were inspired to create a product which protected against this crime after one of our friends was the victim of this form of theft.

"Not only is Vinco thin and secure, its stylish design makes for a discreet yet RFID-proof wallet. Weighing just 30 grams, it'll fit into any pocket unnoticed and can hold up to seven cards and a few folded cash bills.

“To celebrate surpassing our crowdfunding target, along with the currently available Vinco colours of black, blue, brown and pink, we are creating a limited edition orange wallet with white stitching, which will be available later this week.”

The wallet has already been trialled, tested and proven to protect against RFID signals. An RFID scanner has also been used on Vinco and has not been able to read any cards through it.

The wallet is made from Tyvek, a tough material which ensures that bank cards and cash are kept dry.

The wallet is also designed to grip its contents tightly, to stop bank cards falling out.

Ibbe added, “Vinco is designed, stitched and shipped locally here in Leeds. It was really important to us that our customers get a wallet that incorporates the true sentiment of British values.

“Vinco will be packaged and shipped by Clubit, an online retailer and wholesaler. Clubit was founded by a former Leeds Beckett student in 1999 and I am currently undertaking my University placement year with the company.

"Clubit have helped us greatly with this venture and having their support has really boosted our drive, confidence and belief in the Vinco product.

"We have everything in place for us to begin manufacturing, selling and shipping out Vinco wallets worldwide.

"The retail price for the wallets is £20 each although it is available now on indiegogo for £17.”

To find out more about Vinco and to pledge your support, please visit: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/vinco-the-thinnest-rfid-blocking-wallet