Title: The Rise of “Ghost Tapping”: A New Credit Card Scam Targeting Contactless Payments The holiday season has always been a prime time for scammers to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers, but this year, there’s a new twist in their tactics. Experts are warning about the rise of “ghost tapping,” a credit card scam that involves small, unfamiliar charges appearing on contactless payment cards without any clear point of purchase. These seemingly insignificant amounts might seem like parking fees or minor purchases, but they could signal unauthorized access to your payment method rather than simple billing errors. The term “ghost tapping” is used by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) in their consumer alerts to describe these incidents. In simpler terms, it means that a payment can be triggered without you actively making a purchase. One reported method involves compromised payment terminals quietly processing low-value contactless charges. Another involves unauthorized NFC readers operating at close range, sometimes in crowded places. These transactions run through standard contactless payments and can charge your card or mobile wallet within inches of the scammer’s device. The implications of this new scam are significant for consumers who rely on contactless payment methods like tap-to-pay cards and digital wallets. It highlights the vulnerability of these systems to potential fraud, especially when they involve unsecured or compromised terminals. As more businesses adopt contactless payments due to COVID-19 concerns, this scam could become even more prevalent in the coming months. From a historical perspective, “ghost tapping” is not an entirely new phenomenon. Similar tactics have been used by cybercriminals for years, targeting unsecured payment terminals and exploiting vulnerabilities in contactless technology. However, what sets this current wave of scams apart is its focus on small, seemingly innocuous charges that are easy to overlook or dismiss as errors. As a consumer advocate, I believe it’s crucial for individuals to stay vigilant about their financial transactions and monitor their accounts closely during the holiday season – if not all year round. If you notice any unfamiliar charges on your statement, report them immediately to your bank or credit card company. Additionally, consider enabling two-factor authentication on your payment methods whenever possible, as this can provide an extra layer of security against unauthorized access. In conclusion, the rise of “ghost tapping” serves as a reminder that even seemingly harmless transactions can be exploited by cybercriminals looking to steal our personal information and financial data. By staying informed about these scams and taking proactive steps to protect ourselves online, we can help combat this growing threat to our digital security.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.foxnews.com/tech/why-4-charge-your-statement-could-fraud)
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