New ‘ghost tapping’ scam targets holiday shoppers using contactless payments

by Anastassia Olmos

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - With holiday shopping season now in full swing, fraud experts are warning consumers to secure their wallets and phones, as new technology allows skimmers to access your money without physically touching your card.

“Ghost tapping” exploits tap-to-pay technology, which uses near field communication to allow devices to exchange data at close range when making purchases.

Criminals use wireless devices near phones or cards in crowded areas like streets, buses, or checkout lines to access your money through electromagnetic fields.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is seeing an uptick in ghost tapping reports ahead of the holidays.

Consumers should also be wary of solicitors asking for donations that require tap-to-pay methods.

Fraud experts recommend several steps to protect against ghost tapping:

Use RFID protection. Phone sleeves and wallets made from materials that interfere with electromagnetic fields can block unauthorized access.
Confirm payment details. Check the merchant’s name and amount on the terminal screen before tapping cards or phones.
Set up transaction alerts. Real-time notifications for every charge help spot and stop fraud immediately.
Review phone security settings. iPhone users should consider opting out of “express transit card” features, which allow card use without passcode or Face ID verification.
Limit tap-to-pay use in high-risk areas. When in doubt, consider swiping or inserting your card instead.