Customer Alert – Ghost Tapping Leads To Contactless Theft

Have you heard of ghost tapping? It's a contactless theft scam where portable NFC-enabled devices are used to steal money from credit cards or mobile wallets. (NFC stands for Near Field Communication — short-range wireless technology that allows devices to exchange data.) By getting close to your pocket or purse in crowded areas, thieves can trigger small, unauthorized charges to validate card data and steal funds without physical contact. 

How Ghost Tapping Works

• Proximity Theft: Scammers use a concealed wireless card reader or smartphone to connect with your card/phone's NFC chip.
• The "Bump": They may bump into you in crowded places to get within the necessary 1–2 inches.
• Unauthorized Charges: The device performs a "micro-transaction" to test if the card is active, or a larger fraudulent charge if it's a direct sales scam. 

Take Steps to Protect Yourself

• Use RFID-blocking: Store contactless cards in RFID-blocking wallets or sleeves.
• Turn off NFC: Disable NFC on your phone when not actively using it for payments.
• Set Up Alerts: Monitor bank accounts for immediate transaction alerts to detect strange charges.
• Use Biometrics: Ensure biometric authentication (fingerprint/Face ID) is required for all phone payments. 

Don't let ghost tapping put you in a scary theft situation!