SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (Edited News Release/KY3) – “Ghost tapping” sounds like it might be related to Halloween fun, but unfortunately, it’s scary for a different reason: It’s a new type of scam to beware of. Better Business Bureau advises consumers to take precautions to avoid this spooky scam.
Ghost tapping is a type of scam that takes advantage of tap-to-pay credit cards and mobile wallets. These payment methods work through Near Field Communication (NFC), which allows devices to exchange data at close range. NFC is generally safe, but scammers can exploit it in crowded spaces or distracting situations.
Previously, debit and credit card scams required physical contact with the card, but ghost tapping eliminates this need. Ghost tapping scammers might try:
- Getting close in public spaces: Someone might bump into you while secretly charging your tap-enabled card or mobile wallet.
- Pretending to be a vendor: At events, flea markets, or festivals, fraudsters might set up fake stands and ask for tap payments.
- Charity scams: They might request a small donation but actually charge your card for a much larger amount.
- Rushing the process: Scammers count on you tapping without checking the business name or transaction amount.
Once a scammer has your credit card or mobile wallet information, they might make small transactions to avoid triggering your financial institution’s fraud detection systems – so you might not notice the theft right away…