Streamlly Original
Tap-to-pay scam costing consumers thousands
Reported by Toni Mitchell, Jesse Jines, Samuel Means, Michael Jorge, Alecia Venkataraman
- Published: Feb 10, 2026, 8:22 PM EST
- Updated: Feb 2, 2026, 3:16 PM EST
- Duration: 30 sec
- Views: 261
Tap-to-pay has made shopping easier, but a scam known as “ghost tapping” is costing consumers thousands.
According to a Better Business Bureau alert, scammers are exploiting tap-to-pay and mobile wallet technology to steal money from unsuspecting customers.
Cybersecurity experts say ghost tapping relies on near-field communication (NFC) technology built into credit cards and mobile wallets, triggering unauthorized charges without the consumer realizing it.
Fraud analysts report claims tied to ghost tapping have surged 150 percent in the past year.
Victims often believe they’re paying for legitimate purchases, only to later discover they were overcharged by hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
The scam most often occurs in crowded public places such as airports, shopping malls, and concerts.
Cybercriminals use hidden NFC readers concealed in backpacks, jackets, or handheld devices to scan nearby cards or phones with tap-to-pay enabled.
Because NFC works at close range, many victims don’t realize they’ve been targeted until they review their bank statements.
How to protect yourself:
Dispute unauthorized charges immediately and file a consumer complaint with your state attorney general’s office if needed
Use RFID-blocking wallets or card sleeves
Disable tap-to-pay on cards you don’t use regularly
Turn off NFC on your phone when not in use
Set up transaction alerts through your bank or credit card app
Experts say awareness is the strongest defense.
Credits
- Toni MitchellSenior Reporter/staff/toni-mitchell
- Jesse JinesWriter/Director/staff/jesse-jines
- Curtiss PhilipsenActor /VO Artist/staff/curtiss-philipsen
- Samuel MeansVideo Editor/staff/samuel-means
- Michael JorgeSenior Video Editor/staff/michael-jorge
- Alecia VenkataramanWriter/Creative Director/staff/aleciavenk
Transcript
They say it was a ghost hiding behind a computer somewhere you'll never see.
I didn't think, I just tapped and the ghost took it all, every bit.
That's the thing about ghosts, you can't see them.
So if the reader looks off or unfamiliar, don't tap, just use your phone or chip instead.