October Just Got Scarier: Your Tap-to-Pay Could Be Draining You With a Ghostly Touch
By: Jim Stickley and Tina Davis
October 30, 2025
A new scam is quietly tapping into your convenience and turning it against you. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning consumers about a trick called “ghost tapping,” which exploits the tap-to-pay feature on cards and mobile wallets. Fraudsters use the cards near field technology to get close in crowded spots like festivals or transit hub's and use wireless devices or fake payment terminals to charge you—sometimes before you even realize what’s happening.
Here’s how it works: A scammer may pose as a vendor or charity and ask you to “just tap” your card or phone to pay. Of course, you do just that—and either the amount is much bigger than displayed or a small charge “tests” your card and goes unnoticed until damage is done.
Because the scam is fast and uses contactless tech, you may never see the malicious device or realize your money is gone until your account shows odd activity days later.
To avoid being a victim, start by staying alert in busy public settings. Before tapping, always check the merchant name and total on the terminal, and don’t let someone rush you. Consider using an RFID-blocking carrier or sleeve to interfere with wireless reading devices. Set up instant alerts for every transaction so you’ll catch unauthorized charges quickly. If you’re unsure or the vendor looks questionable, opt to swipe or insert your card instead of tapping.
Finally, review your statements often—and if you spot something odd, contact your financial institution or card issuer immediately. It’s also a good idea to report the incident to the BBB using the organization’s Scam Tracker tool.
This isn’t just a clever scam—it preys on trust, distraction and the very convenience you rely on. Stay sharp, keep your tap-to-pay in check, and don’t hand your security over to a ghost.
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