“Ghost Tapping” is an emerging digital scam that targets contactless payments (tap-to-pay with cards, phones, or digital wallets).
In this scam, fraudsters can steal money from victims’ accounts without needing a PIN, OTP, or even physical touch to the card or phone. They use special devices or modified phones that act like payment machines. This makes the scam particularly dangerous, as victims may not even realize their funds have been compromised until it’s too late.
How Ghost Tapping Happens?
Scammers take advantage of crowded places such as airports, markets, train stations, and festivals to get close to people. Using special devices, they can trigger a small payment from a person’s card or phone just by being nearby—often without the victim noticing. Sometimes they may pose as a seller and ask the victim to tap, but in many cases, people remain unaware that anything has happened. The money is deducted instantly, and since the amounts are usually small, most people only notice it later when checking their bank statements.
How to Protect Yourself from Ghost Tapping Scams?
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Turn off NFC when not in use: Keep the NFC (tap-to-pay) feature on your phone turned off, and only switch it on when you need to make a payment.
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Use RFID-blocking wallets or sleeves: These special wallets or card sleeves prevent scammers from scanning your cards without your knowledge.
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Enable bank alerts: Set up notifications for every transaction so you can spot any suspicious charges immediately.
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Be cautious with unknown machines or stalls: Avoid tapping your card or phone at unfamiliar stalls, kiosks, or payment machines that seem unusual.
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Set limits on spending: Ask your bank to set daily transaction limits and contactless payment caps on your cards to reduce potential losses.
Travelers in unfamiliar places and people in crowded public areas are particularly at risk of this scam, especially when they are distracted. The contactless payment technology itself is safe, but misuse can occur if people are not careful. Contactless payments remain secure as long as individuals stay alert and follow some simple precautions. It is important to remember that Ghost tapping is about human distraction, not weak technology.
