BBB Warns of 'Ghost Tapping' Scam Targeting Tap-to-Pay Features

Understanding 'Ghost Tapping'

• 👻 'Ghost tapping' is a new scam targeting the convenient 'tap to pay' feature on credit cards and smartphones.
• 💡 Scammers use devices with similar technology to NFC (Near Field Communication) or mobile pay to get close to victims and attempt to steal payment information or receive unauthorized payments.

How the Scam Works

• 💳 Scammers can target both physical credit card tap-to-pay devices and mobile payment systems like Apple Pay.
• ⏳ The scam requires the scammer to be in close proximity to the victim's card or phone for a period of time for the transaction to be completed.
• 🎪 Large events with many vendors and crowds can be easy targets, as vendors may encourage tap-to-pay transactions.

Protecting Yourself

• ⚠️ Be aware that vendors at large events could potentially charge more than the stated amount during a tap-to-pay transaction.
• 📱 On smartphones, you can turn off the NFC contactless feature if you are in a situation where you feel vulnerable.
• 📊 It is still recommended to monitor all your transactions closely and report any suspicious activity immediately.
• 🛡️ Despite this scam, tap to pay is still considered one of the safer payment methods compared to inserting or swiping a credit card.

Reporting Scams

• 🔍 The Better Business Bureau (BBB) encourages consumers to report any scam experiences to their BBB Scam Tracker.