Ghost Tapping: The Tap-to-Pay Scam Hitting Crowded Places in Michigan

To be honest, I haven't used my actual card at the register recently, because using tap-to-pay is so convenient. However, there is a new scam that is trying to cash in on this brand-new habit.

Have you ever heard of "ghost tapping?"

What Ghost Tapping Is

The idea of it is that scammers get close enough to your phone or to a contactless card to trigger a tap payment. It could be something as simple as "accidentally" bumping into you. Rushing you at a pop-up stand, or insisting you tap without showing the total.

This is happening at crowded places like festivals, markets, and transit hubs. Some crooks will use portable NFC readers or sketchy terminals to fire off a charge before you can catch the business name and amount.

What You Can Do

Always read a screen before you tap to pay for a merchant name, amount, and tip line. If you're being rushed, slow it down or walk away. You can also use an RFID-blocking wallet/sleeve, turn off NFC when you don't need it, and default to chip or swipe in sketchy situations. You can also turn on bank/card alerts so you catch any odd activity fast, and scan for tiny "test" transactions you don't recognize.

With Apple specifically, you cannot use tap-to-pay without unlocking your phone (if you set it up that way). You can also see whenever a transaction goes through, so keep an eye on that.

Tap to pay is a very easy and convenient way to pay for things, but crooks are getting better at getting your information, and maybe without you even knowing.