November 2025 Scam: Ghost Tapping Alert
Tap-to-pay is quick and easy. Many of us use it every day with our cards or phones. But the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning people this holiday season about a new scam that takes advantage of this technology. It’s called “ghost tapping,” and it can charge your card without you even noticing.
Ghost tapping happens when a scammer gets very close to your card or phone and makes a payment without your permission.
This can happen in busy places like stores, markets, or holiday events. A scammer might:
Bump into you, so your card “taps” by accident
Pretend to be a vendor and ask you to tap without showing you the price
Start with small charges so you won’t notice right away
Pay attention to:
A strange charge on your card — even a small one
Someone is rushing you to tap quickly
A payment terminal that doesn’t show the amount
No receipt offered after you tap
How to Protect Yourself
You can stay safe with a few simple steps:
Use an RFID-blocking wallet/purse: It helps prevent unwanted taps.
Look at the screen before you pay: Make sure the amount is correct.
Turn on alerts from your bank: You’ll know right away if a charge is made.
Check your account often: Catching a problem early makes it easier to fix.
Avoid tap-to-pay in crowded or unfamiliar places: Insert or swipe your card instead.
What To Do If You Think You Were Scammed
If something seems wrong:
Call your bank right away. They can freeze your card and stop more charges.
Report the scam to the BBB Scam Tracker to help warn others.
Source: bbb.org
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