The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning consumers about a growing scam known as “ghost tapping,” where fraudsters exploit contactless payment technology to steal money from unsuspecting users of tap-to-pay cards and mobile wallets.
The BBB says ghost tapping occurs when scammers use Near Field Communication (NFC) technology — the same system that enables contactless payments — to secretly initiate transactions in crowded or distracted settings. Victims may have their card or phone charged without realizing it, often for small amounts that can go unnoticed.
“Contactless payments are convenient, but scammers are using ghost tapping to steal from unsuspecting consumers,” the BBB said in a recent Scam Alert.
According to the bureau, criminals may attempt to get close to victims in public places, pose as vendors at events or festivals, or claim to be collecting donations for charity. In some reported cases, scammers rushed victims to tap their cards without showing the transaction details or total amount.
One person told BBB Scam Tracker that an individual went door to door pretending to sell chocolate for a school fundraiser and only accepted tap-to-pay. “He then charges large amounts to the card without the cardholder being able to see the amount. He got my mother for $537… another victim for $1,100,” the report said.
The BBB outlined several warning signs of ghost tapping, including:
- Bank alerts about small or unusual “test” charges.
- Requests to tap without displaying a total or receipt.
- Suspicious charges appearing after time spent in crowded places.
To protect against tap-to-pay fraud, the BBB recommends using RFID-blocking wallets, checking payment details before tapping, setting up transaction alerts, and monitoring bank accounts regularly. Consumers should also limit tap-to-pay use in high-traffic areas.
If you believe you’ve been targeted by a tap-to-pay scam, contact your bank or card issuer immediately, freeze or cancel the card, and report the incident to BBB Scam Tracker at BBB.org/ScamTracker.
