Washington, October 27, 2025 – People in the US are on edge about a new kind of scam. It’s called “ghost tapping.” Bad guys use it to steal money from cards and phones that pay with just a tap. You might not even know it’s happening until you check your bank later.
This scam is on the rise, says the Better Business Bureau, or BBB. They warn millions of folks who like tap-to-pay for being quick and clean. But now, it’s a big risk in busy spots like markets, buses, or big events.
Here’s how it works. Crooks carry small readers that catch signals from your card or phone. They get close – maybe in a crowd – and take money without touching your stuff. They might pretend to be sellers or ask to tap for a small fee. Then they charge way more, like $50 to $100 at once, or little bits many times so banks don’t flag it right away.
One woman in Missouri lost $100 fast. A guy asked to tap her card for a small thing, but took much more. In other spots, fake stands pop up or folks knock on doors acting like helpers. They push for tap-pay only. Or they sneak charges through your bag or wallet from a few feet away.
The BBB says it’s getting worse with shopping time coming. No exact numbers yet, but they see cases all over states. Victims find out days later on their statements. That’s why experts say stay sharp.
What can you do? Put cards in special bags that block signals – like RFID shields. Always check the seller’s name and the amount before you tap. Turn on phone alerts for every bank move. In sketchy places, use the old chip or swipe way instead.
If it happens to you, call your bank now to stop it. Tell the BBB too, on their scam tracker site. Michelle Corey from BBB St. Louis told news folks: “Be careful in crowds or with strangers. But check your accounts often. Call the bank fast if something looks off.”
Bryan Oglesby from BBB West Florida added: “They use phones or special tools. Fake sellers might push tap-pay to overcharge.”
The BBB is watching close and making new tips soon. With holidays near, they say watch your taps extra. This scam shows tech can be great, but we all need to guard our cash better. Stay safe out there.