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Beware 'Ghost Tapping' Contactless Payment Scams
21 Nov
Summary
- Ghost tapping allows scammers to charge cards without awareness.
- Mobile wallets and physical cards are targets for this scam.
- Social engineering is often more effective than direct theft.
Contactless payment methods offer convenience, but a scam known as 'ghost tapping' poses a subtle risk. This scheme involves criminals attempting to initiate unauthorized contactless payments without the victim's knowledge, utilizing Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. The scam can target both mobile wallets, such as Apple Wallet and Google Wallet, and physical credit or debit cards equipped with tap-to-pay functionality.
While the technology itself has security measures, attackers exploit moments of distraction, especially in crowded public areas. They often pose as legitimate vendors, using fraudulent readers at pop-up booths or kiosks. This social engineering tactic is frequently more effective than attempting direct wireless theft, as it tricks victims into believing the transaction is legitimate.
Modern security features like biometrics for smartphones and EMV chips on cards are designed to prevent data theft. However, vigilance is crucial. Awareness of common scam tactics, such as deceptive vendor interactions, is the best defense against ghost tapping.
