Emerging ghost tapping scams, which exploit near-field communication technology used in tap-to-pay systems, are prompting experts and consumer groups to advise caution and enhanced security measures in crowded public spaces and while travelling.
Ghost tapping is the latest contactless card scam drawing attention from consumer groups and fraud experts. The tactic relies on near-field communication, the same short-range technology used for tap-to-pay payments, and can involve hidden readers that take payments from cards stored in a pocket or bag. The Michigan attorney general’s office says these scams tend to surface in crowded places such as festivals and markets, where thieves can work close to their targets without being noticed.
MoneySuperMarket personal finance expert Kara Gammell said shoppers should be especially alert in busy transport hubs and tourist areas. “Other forms of ghost tapping may see scammers posing as legitimate vendors, pressuring you into making contactless payments for goods or services, then charging a higher amount than expected – without you realising.” She added that travelling abroad can raise the risk because language barriers and unfamiliar payment systems may make it harder to spot mistakes quickly.
Experts say the simplest defence is to make suspicious activity easier to catch. That means switching on transaction alerts, checking banking apps regularly and contacting the bank at once if anything looks wrong. The Michigan attorney general’s office also recommends reviewing transaction details before tapping, avoiding rushed payments and, where possible, turning off tap-to-pay when it is not in use. ConsumerAffairs has reported that some fraudsters begin with small test charges before attempting larger ones, which makes early monitoring especially important.
Gammell also recommends carrying only the cards needed for a trip and using an RFID-blocking wallet or cardholder, which adds a physical barrier against unauthorised scanning. She said credit cards can offer stronger protection than debit cards when purchases go wrong. In the UK, Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act can make a card provider jointly liable for certain purchases between £100 and £30,000, giving travellers an extra route to claim back money if a scam or dispute arises. NBC Palm Springs and other local consumer outlets say the broader lesson is to slow down, check every amount before approving a payment and report anything suspicious immediately.
Disclaimer: This article is intended to inform and educate, not to recommend or endorse any financial product, investment or strategy. Please consider your own financial circumstances and seek professional advice where appropriate before making financial decisions.
