What is Ghost Tapping?
Organizations such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) use the term “ghost tapping” to describe a fast-growing scam involving contactless payments. Currently, it ranks among the most widespread digital payment frauds, making it essential for consumers to understand how to safeguard themselves
How “Ghost Tapping Works
This scheme takes advantage of the Near-Field Communication (NFC) technology found in tap-to-pay credit cards, debit cards, and mobile wallets. The reason it’s called “ghost” tapping is that the fraudulent transaction occurs so swiftly and inconspicuously that victims often remain unaware it has happened.
How it Happens
A scammer, often in a crowded place like a concert, public transit, or a supermarket, will carry a small, portable card reader or wireless point-of-sale (POS) device.
The scammer will intentionally bump into a victim or rush them through a payment process. During this brief window, they hold the reader close to the victim’s wallet or phone, secretly initiating a charge on the victim’s tap-enabled card or mobile wallet.
To avoid immediate detection by both the victim and fraud detection systems, scammers often attempt to charge only a small, inconspicuous amount (e.g., a few dollars) that victims are not likely to notice right away.
How to Protect Yourself
Since this is a new and active threat, consumers should take a few precautions:
RFID-Blocking Wallets/Sleeves can block the wireless signal, preventing the reader from communicating with the card unless it’s taken out of the wallet.
Always ensure your mobile wallet requires Face ID, fingerprint ID, or a PIN for every transaction, which prevents a secret tap from succeeding.
Regularly check bank statements and be sure to set up real-time transaction alerts to be immediately notified of any unauthorized small charges.
Ghost tapping is currently very popular among theives and scammers. Take the necessary precautions right now – we don’t want you to become a victim! The more you know the safer you are!