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'Ghost tapping' scam targets tap-to-pay process



DENVER (KDVR) — The Better Business Bureau is warning about an increasing number of reports of the “ghost tapping” scam.

The scam targets tap-to-pay credit cards and mobile wallets. The BBB said the technology used in those transactions is generally safe, but it can be exploited in crowded spaces or in situations where a person is distracted.

According to the BBB, “ghost tapping” is when scammers can bump into a person with a card reader or wireless payments system and secretly charge their tap-enabled card or mobile wallet.

Another way “ghost tapping” happens is when scammers area able to rush the tap payment process, hoping that the shopper will just tap and go without checking the business name or transaction amount.

Ege Uckan said that’s what happened to his mother.

“She got over charged and she didn’t know about it until she checked the bank because of the tap,” Uckan said.

Cameron Nakashima with the BBB said many of us do not double-check our transactions.

“Maybe you are not seeing what that final amount was, or you’re not seeing what the company name was, and now they’ve got your payment information,” Nakashima said.

In some cases, Nakashima said, scammers will then make small charges on the accounts to avoid triggering fraud detection systems.

However, he suggests people always double-check transactions and closely monitor bank accounts. Another option people can do to protect themselves from these scams is to buy a wallet with RFID protection to stop wireless skimming.

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