The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is reportedly warning consumers about a new scam involving debit and credit cards.
The nonprofit group says that criminals are now stealing funds by exploiting bank cards’ tap-to-pay function in a scheme being called “ghost tapping,” reports Chicago-based WGN-TV.
According to the BBB, scammers are equipping themselves with handheld wireless payment devices that allow them to be within a few feet of their target to steal funds from the bank cards in the victim’s possession.
Similar schemes in the past required physical contact with a bank card.
Says Steve Bernas, BBB president and CEO,
“Ghost tapping is especially dangerous when the target’s debit card is involved. The crooks can quickly drain a person’s bank account or make credit card charges.”
The BBB is recommending cardholders take several precautions to help avoid becoming a victim of the fraud scheme, including using radio frequency identification (RFID) blocking sleeves or wallets.
The agency also suggests that cardholders set up real-time transaction alerts with their banks, routinely monitor their accounts and reduce contactless card use in high-risk areas.
Ghost tapping victims often experience unexpected alerts from the bank about small “test” charges and suspicious account activity after being in crowded spaces, festivals or transit areas.
Suspected victims of the scam should file a complaint with the BBB and the Federal Trade Commission, report unauthorized transactions immediately to the bank and freeze or cancel the affected card, according to the agency.
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