(Undated) Tap-to-pay has become a popular payment method in America due to its convenience and the ease of not carrying a wallet full of cards. However, experts are now warning about a ghost tapping scam that occurs when using your phone’s digital wallet.
According to the Better Business Bureau, this scam primarily targets shoppers in crowded areas, where scammers might pretend to bump into you to tap your device, tricking you into paying them. Scams can also arise from fake vendors at markets, who claim to sell items to fund causes and only accept tap-to-pay.
Reports show instances where scammers have charged victims large sums without their knowledge. Additionally, ghost tapping can involve repeated unauthorized charges, especially seen in New York City, where public transit riders report being charged for rides they didn’t take. If you fall victim to this scam, contact your bank or card issuer immediately to dispute the charges and consider freezing or canceling your card.
It’s advisable to temporarily remove your card from your digital wallet and use cash or a physical card until the issue is resolved.
To protect yourself, the Better Business Bureau recommends limiting tap-to-pay use, carefully checking amounts and recipients before confirming payments, and monitoring your bank account for unauthorized transactions. Always wait to open your digital wallet until you’re ready to pay. Regularly reviewing your financial accounts and promptly reporting suspicious activity can help prevent loss.
