Contactless payments are convenient but vulnerable to “ghost tapping” scams, where fraudsters exploit tap-to-pay technology to charge victims without their knowledge. The Better Business Bureau has issued warnings about this fraud method, which has resulted in significant financial losses for some individuals.
Scammers use various tactics, such as bumping into victims with hidden readers or posing as legitimate sellers to trick people into making tap payments. They can also manipulate victims into entering card details into phishing apps, allowing them to make unauthorized tap-to-pay purchases without the physical card present.
In one reported case, a scammer in Missouri walked around with a “tap machine,” reading cards through purses or wallets and causing victims to lose money. With approximately 17.9 billion contactless transactions in the U.S. in 2023, fraudsters are taking advantage of the growing popularity of contactless payments to carry out these scams.
Ghost tapping can lead to unauthorized charges on victims’ cards without them realizing it until they see their statements. Consumers are advised to remain vigilant and watch for red flags, such as unexpected charges or vendors demanding tap payments without providing complete information or receipts.
To protect against ghost tapping, consumers can use RFID-blocking wallets, verify merchant details before tapping, enable real-time transaction alerts, review statements regularly, and act quickly if they suspect fraudulent activity. Staying alert and verifying every transaction can help prevent falling victim to this digital scam with real-world consequences. The Better Business Bureau issues a warning about the ‘ghost tapping’ scam targeting Americans. Be cautious of unknown charges on your phone bill, as scammers are using auto-dialing software to make unauthorized calls that result in charges to your account. Stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to your service provider immediately.
Read more at Yahoo Finance: Better Business Bureau issues warning about ‘ghost tapping’ scam. What Americans need to know to protect themselves