Be Careful Where You Tap: Protecting Yourself from Ghost Tapping and Other Credit Card Fraud

by Aimée Lafond, MMBB Business Analyst

Credit card fraud is not new, but the methods used to commit it continue to evolve as technology and payment systems change. For many people, tapping a credit card or phone at checkout has become second nature. It can feel cleaner, quicker, and more convenient than pulling out a physical card. However, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns that scammers are taking advantage of this popular payment method, especially in crowded public places.¹

How Ghost Tapping Works

One emerging threat is called "ghost tapping," a scam that exploits the convenience of tap-to-pay cards and mobile wallets. Using wireless technology, scammers may attempt to withdraw money without physical contact, leaving victims unaware until they review their accounts. According to Newsweek, “in some documented cases, scammers carried portable NFC card readers through public areas, attempting to access payment information even through wallets or purses.”²

Busy public areas such as airports, farmers markets, concerts, tourist areas, festivals, and public transit can create opportunities for this scam because people are distracted and in close proximity to one another. Security.org reports that only five percent of fraudulent charges involved a physically stolen card, meaning most credit card fraud occurs remotely through methods such as ghost tapping, data breaches, or other digital schemes.³

Ghost tapping differs from credit card skimming. Skimming typically requires a physical card to touch or pass through a device placed over a legitimate card reader so the information can be captured and copied.

Fake Vendors and Rushed Transactions

Fake vendors and temporary booths can create another risk. Scammers may use real-looking checkout terminals at kiosks, flea markets, pop-up shops, or event booths to encourage customers to tap to pay. Once a customer taps, the scammer may steal payment information or charge more than the stated amount.⁴

These scammers often try to rush the transaction, hoping you will not pause to verify the vendor, review the total, or request a receipt. Before tapping, make sure you recognize the retailer, confirm the amount displayed, and avoid using your card with vendors who seem suspicious or unwilling to provide transaction details.

Watch for Accidental Double Payments

Double payments can also happen unintentionally with tap-to-pay. Some devices automatically open a stored card when they are near a payment reader, such as when boarding a subway or bus. If both your phone and smartwatch have the same card loaded, you could accidentally pay twice.

Using multiple devices for tap-to-pay may also increase exposure if someone attempts to access your payment information. Consider enabling tap-to-pay only on your primary device and removing stored cards from devices you rarely use. Similarly, keep only your main card in your mobile wallet to limit the number of payment methods exposed in a potential fraud attempt.

How to Protect Yourself

According to Security.org, an estimated 61.3 million Americans had fraudulent charges on their credit or debit cards in the past year alone, and adults over 45 are far more likely to be victims.³ While some types of fraud may be beyond your control, everyday habits can help reduce your risk.

• Shop only with reputable retailers and vendors you recognize.
• Always review the transaction amount before tapping.
• Ask for a receipt whenever possible.
• Review your bank and card transactions regularly.
• Watch for small, repeated withdrawals, which scammers may use to avoid fraud detection before attempting larger charges.
• Turn on instant bank or credit card alerts so you are notified immediately when something looks unusual.
• Use an RFID-blocking wallet or card sleeve to help reduce the risk of ghost tapping.
• Limit tap-to-pay use in crowded spaces when possible.
• If you suspect fraud, contact your bank right away and freeze or cancel the affected card.

Aimée Lafond is a Business Analyst in the Technology department at MMBB Financial Services. In her role, she supports a wide range of technical and operational initiatives. Before joining MMBB, Aimée worked in IT and customer service positions in the insurance industry. She received a bachelor's degree in English literature with a minor in business administration from Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY.

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