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Beware of “Ghost Tapping” Scams

Beware of “Ghost Tapping” Scams

Tapping your credit or debit card to pay has made checkout fast and easy. But scammers are finding ways to use this technology to steal your money. With smartphones and wireless devices, they can take payments from your card or phone without your permission. Sometimes all it takes is a bump in a busy crowd.

How “Ghost Tapping” Works

  • A scammer gets close enough to your phone or tap-enabled card to start a payment. They might “accidentally” bump into you.
  • These scams often happen in crowded places like festivals, pop-up stands, or markets where people are moving fast.
  • The scammer’s card reader might show no total or ask for a small “donation,” then charge a much higher amount.

How To Protect Yourself

  • Read before you tap. Check the screen for the merchant name, total, and tip amount.
  • Don’t rush. If someone pressures you to tap quickly, slow down or walk away.
  • Radio frequency identification (RFID)-blocking wallet or sleeve to stop your card from being read through your pocket or purse.
  • Turn off tap-to-pay (NFC) on your phone when you’re not using it.
  • Avoid tap-to-pay in crowded or unfamiliar places. Use the chip or swipe instead.
  • Set up alerts from your bank or card company to know when a charge goes through.
  • Check your phone. If you use Apple Pay or a similar app, make sure your phone must be unlocked to make a payment and review every notification.
  • Watch your account. Look for small or strange charges you don’t recognize.

Tap-to-pay can be safe and convenient when you stay alert. Taking a few seconds to check each payment can help protect your money.

If you think you’ve been scammed, report the charges to your bank or card company right away. The sooner you act, the better chance you have to stop more fraud.

To file a complaint with the Attorney General, or get additional information, contact:

Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form