Attention, consumers! Ghost payments put your accounts at risk!

Attention, consumers! Ghost payments put your accounts at risk!

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) ​​is warning consumers about a new scam targeting debit and credit cards. This scam, known as “ghost tapping,” allows criminals to exploit the contactless payment functionality of bank cards. This method poses a significant threat because fraudsters use portable, wireless payment devices to steal funds from bank cards within a narrow radius of their victims. Unlike previous fraud attempts that required direct contact with the card, these transfers can now occur remotely, increasing the risk to consumers.

Steve Bernas, president and CEO of the BBB, emphasizes that ghost tapping is particularly dangerous for debit card users because it can quickly empty accounts or cause unwanted credit card charges. Consumers traveling in crowded spaces such as festivals or public transport could be particularly at risk. Many reported unexpected notifications about small “test” transactions and suspicious activity occurring immediately after such visits.

Consumer safety measures

To protect against these new attacks, the BBB has several recommendations for cardholders:

• Verwenden Sie RFID-blockierende Hüllen oder Geldbörsen.
• Richten Sie Echtzeit-Transaktionsbenachrichtigungen bei Ihrer Bank ein.
• Überwachen Sie regelmäßig Ihre Bankkonten.
• Reduzieren Sie die Nutzung kontaktloser Karten in Hochrisikobereichen.

If consumers believe they have fallen victim to ghost tapping, they should take immediate action. You are advised to file a complaint with the BBB and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), report suspicious transactions immediately to the bank, and block or cancel the affected card. These measures can help limit financial losses and ensure the safety of affected consumers.

Given the increasing number of fraud attempts these days, it is crucial to remain well-informed and vigilant. The BBB strongly warns that consumers should protect themselves from such threats to protect their financial information and not lose trust in contactless payment methods.

For more information on the subject, you can read the full warnings and guidance on the BBB website.