Beware of "Ghost Tapping": A Holiday Season Scam Targeting Contactless Payments

Understanding Ghost Tapping

• 👻 Ghost tapping is a scam targeting users of contactless and tap-to-pay methods.
• 💡 This scam involves your tap-to-pay card being secretly charged without your knowledge, or multiple times.
• 💳 The technology exploits Near Field Communications (NFC), allowing unauthorized transactions when communications are intercepted.

How Ghost Tapping Works

• 🔍 Scammers need to be within inches of your mobile phone or credit card to skim information.
• 📱 This method allows a scammer to use your credit card for unauthorized transactions without physically touching your card.
• 📈 The rise in touch-free payments, like mobile wallets, makes this scam increasingly relevant.

Protecting Yourself This Holiday Season

• ⚠️ Be vigilant in crowds, especially at events like concerts, festivals, and marketplaces where close quarters are common.
• 🔔 Set up push notifications or alerts with your credit card company to monitor all card activity.
• 🧐 Pay close attention to all card activity and be ready to dispute unfamiliar charges immediately.
• ✅ Double-check your tap transactions to ensure you don't fall victim to these holiday season scams.