Tap-to-pay is quick and easy. Many of us use it every day with our cards or phones. But the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning people this holiday season about a new scam that takes advantage of this technology. It’s called “ghost tapping,” and it can charge your card without you even noticing.
Ghost tapping happens when a scammer gets very close to your card or phone and makes a payment without your permission.
This can happen in busy places like stores, markets, or holiday events. A scammer might:
- Bump into you, so your card “taps” by accident
- Pretend to be a vendor and ask you to tap without showing you the price
- Start with small charges so you won’t notice right away
Pay attention to:
- A strange charge on your card — even a small one
- Someone is rushing you to tap quickly
- A payment terminal that doesn’t show the amount
- No receipt offered after you tap
How to Protect Yourself
You can stay safe with a few simple steps:
- Use an RFID-blocking wallet/purse: It helps prevent unwanted taps.
- Look at the screen before you pay: Make sure the amount is correct.
- Turn on alerts from your bank: You’ll know right away if a charge is made.
- Check your account often: Catching a problem early makes it easier to fix.
- Avoid tap-to-pay in crowded or unfamiliar places: Insert or swipe your card instead.
What To Do If You Think You Were Scammed
If something seems wrong:
- Call your bank right away. They can freeze your card and stop more charges.
- Report the scam to the BBB Scam Tracker to help warn others.
Source: bbb.org and AgeWell Middle Tennessee.