Tap-To-Pay Fraud: If you are fond of traveling and use Tap-to-Pay through debit or credit card a lot while traveling, then this information is very important for you. In recent months, a new digital payment fraud has come to light, which is being called ‘Ghost Tapping’. This scam is spreading rapidly especially in tourist spots, where fraudsters take advantage of the crowd and withdraw money from people’s accounts without their knowledge.
What is ‘Ghost Tapping’ Scam?
As the trend of contactless payment has increased, cyber fraudsters have also found new ways to do so. In ghost tapping, the scammer uses an NFC-enabled device and the victim does not even know that the payment has been triggered from his card or phone. There is no need to enter card details nor OTP. If Tap-to-Pay is on in your card or smartphone, then any fraudster can start the transaction through wireless technology by standing very close to you.
How is this fraud carried out
Ghost tapping is completely based on NFC i.e. Near Field Communication technology which is used by platforms like Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Wallet. The fraudsters carry modified smartphones or portable NFC readers. They stand near their target for a few seconds in an airport, crowded market, festival or any big event. Many times, fake shopkeepers ask to tap the card on the pretext of small payment and the amount is deducted more than required or the user does not even realize that the transaction has been done.
Where are more cases being reported?
Till now the official data of any one country has not been revealed, but according to cyber security experts, this fraud has been seen more in those areas where tourism is very high. America, Britain, France, Spain, Italy, Thailand, Indonesia and many international airports and transit hubs are said to be included in this list.
Why do travelers become easy prey?
During travel, people depend more on Tap-to-Pay for quick payment. Due to crowding, vigilance is reduced, transaction alerts are not checked promptly and fake shopkeepers easily mix with genuine sellers. On top of that, due to confusion about foreign currency, overcharge is also realized late.
How to keep yourself safe while traveling
It is a wise move to keep NFC off in your smartphone when it is not needed while traveling. Using an RFID-blocking wallet or card sleeve keeps cards safe. Avoid Tap-to-Pay at unknown or unidentified stalls and keep instant transaction alerts on in the bank app. Use mobile wallets which have biometric security.
Is Tap-to-Pay still safe?
Experts believe that Tap-to-Pay is still safer than making payments by swiping or inserting the card because it involves encryption and it is difficult to clone the card. However, the risk of its misuse increases in unknown places and crowds. A little caution can save you from big trouble.
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