Ghost Tapping: What You Need to Know About This Sneaky Scam

By Voung H.
Voung oversees AML/BSA, fraud prevention, and sanctions compliance and is responsible for building data-driven controls and partners across the FIGFCU to safeguard Members and stop emerging threats.

Summary

• Ghost tapping is on the rise
• Scammers use wireless technology to trigger a transaction without your knowledge
• Help protect yourself by using an RFID wallet; using our Card Controls Tool; verify all payments
• Contact us and law enforcement if you believe you’ve been a victim of ghost tapping

How’s your holiday shopping going? If you still have people on your gift list, there’s a new scam we want you to be aware of called ghost tapping. While the name sounds mysterious, the concept is simple, and it’s important for you to understand so you can take steps to protect yourself.

How does ghost tapping work? Scammers use technology such as near-field communication devices that mimic legitimate tap-to-pay systems. Here’s an example of ghost tapping in action. You’re in a crowded area, such as a holiday market or on public transportation, and a scammer moves close to your wallet or phone to trigger a transaction without you knowing it’s happened. There are even cases, according to the BBB, where scammers pose as a legitimate business and say they only accept tap payment. They then charge more than the item’s price when you tap your credit card or use your phone to pay.

What makes ghost tapping tricky is that you probably don’t know it’s happened. The scammer may make small withdrawals that aren’t flagged by fraud technology before making a large withdrawal. Or, if you’re making a purchase, the tap reader display doesn’t display the business’s name or show the amount you’re being charged.

While this can sound unsettling, the good news is that there are several easy ways to protect yourself—and we’re here to guide you.

Common signs of ghost tapping.

Keep an eye out for these three red flags:

1. Bank alerts about small or unusual “test” charges.
2. A request to tap without showing you the total or offering a receipt.
3. Suspicious charges after you’ve been in crowded areas like festivals, markets, or transit stations.

How you can help protect yourself from ghost tapping.

Here are six tips to help you stay safe:

1. Use RFID protection. An RFID-blocking wallet or sleeve can help stop wireless skimming by blocking radio waves.
2. Always verify payment details. Before tapping your card or phone, check the merchant’s name and amount on the terminal screen.
3. Set up transaction alerts. Many financial institutions allow real-time notifications for every charge. The Card Controls Tool on our digital platform enables you to Set Alerts, so you’re notified on your mobile device whenever your FIGFCU Debit or Credit Card is used. If you haven’t downloaded our digital banking platform, now’s the time.
4. Pay attention to your accounts. Daily checks help you spot fraud sooner. 
5. Limit tap-to-pay use in high-risk areas. When in doubt, consider swiping or inserting your card instead.  
6. Don’t buy anything from a door-to-door salesperson.

What to do if you suspect you’re a victim of a ghost scam.

If you see something suspicious on your debit or credit card statements, say something.

1. Immediately contact us to report suspicious activity on your FIGFCU cards.
2. Freeze or cancel the affected card. Use the Freeze Card feature in Card Controls on our digital banking platform to stop your FIGFCU cards from being used for future purchases and ATM transactions.
3. Report scams to the authorities, including the BBB Scam Tracker, the FTC, and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Visit the FIGFCU Security Center for additional safety and security tips.

Final thoughts.

If you ever notice suspicious activity, unexpected texts, login alerts, or anything that feels off, please get in touch with us immediately at 800.877.2345. We’re here to support you, answer questions, and secure your accounts if anything seems unusual. You’re never bothering us by checking; that’s what we’re here for.

Ghost tapping may be a new twist on digital fraud, but with awareness and simple precautions, you can help protect your accounts. We’re committed to keeping your financial life safe, secure, and stress-free. Together, we can make sure your accounts stay protected, no ghosts allowed.