Credit card scams are unfortunately becoming increasingly common, especially given the continued evolution of payment technology.
While fraudsters used to rely on stolen cards or hacked online accounts, newer scams are taking advantage of contactless payments, including a growing tactic known as ‘ghost tapping’.
Ghost tapping involves unauthorized tap-to-pay transactions that occur without the cardholder realizing it. Because these payments look like normal in-store purchases, they can be harder to detect and easier to miss even on your bank statement.
As tap-enabled cards, mobile wallets, and smart devices become more widely used across Canada, understanding how this scam works and how to protect yourself is becoming an important part of managing credit and debit card security.
Key Points:
- Ghost tapping is a type of contactless payment fraud where unauthorized tap-to-pay transactions are processed without the cardholder’s awareness or authorization.
- The scam is hard to detect because transactions appear as normal in-store purchases and may not immediately trigger security alerts.
- The growth in contactless payments, tap-enabled cards, mobile wallets, and smart devices has created more opportunities for scams.
- Strong security habits reduce exposure, including real-time transaction alerts, device protection, and regular statement reviews.
What Is Ghost Tapping?
Ghost tapping is a form of payment fraud that involves unauthorized contactless transactions made using near-field communication (NFC) technology, without the cardholder’s knowledge or consent.
These transactions are processed as standard tap-to-pay purchases, which can make them harder to notice at first.
In ghost tapping cases, fraudsters may use cloned contactless cards, compromised smartphones, or possibly via unauthorized access to digital wallets. In some situations, they attempt “invisible” taps by exploiting weak security settings, or exposed NFC signals, even while the victim has possession of their card or device.
While the exact mechanics vary, the common thread is that the transaction appears legitimate on the surface, even though the cardholder has no knowledge of it.
What’s the Difference Between Ghost Tapping and Other Similar Scams?
Ghost tapping is often confused with other types of payment fraud, but there are some key distinctions to note.
Traditional tap fraud usually involves a stolen physical card that’s used for contactless purchases. However, card-not-present fraud happens when card details are used online without the card itself, such as for e-commerce or subscription charges.
Ghost tapping sits somewhere in between tap fraud and card-not-present fraud. The cardholder often still has their card or phone, and there’s no obvious theft or breach. Transactions are processed through NFC as legitimate tap payments, which means they don’t always trigger security alerts.
Because the charges look like normal in-store purchases and are often small, they can go unnoticed much longer than other forms of fraud.
Why Ghost Tapping Is A Growing Concern
Ghost tapping is becoming more common as contactless payments continue to grow across Canada. Tap-to-pay cards, smartphones, and smartwatches are now widely used for everyday purchases, creating more opportunities for fraudsters to exploit NFC tech.
Contactless payments now account for more than half of all transactions, according to Payments Canada, and mobile contactless payments have increased by 28% from 2023 to 20241.
As more people rely on tap payments for convenience, fraudsters simply have more chances to attempt unauthorized transactions that blend in easily with legitimate spending.
The combination of widespread adoption, fast transaction speeds, and limited friction at checkout has made ghost tapping an emerging risk.
How Ghost Tapping Can Happen
Ghost tapping can occur through several different methods, most of which take advantage of contactless payment technology and gaps in device or account security.
Stealing Credentials From Digital Wallets
Fraudsters can gain access to Apple Pay or Google Wallet accounts by stealing login credentials through phishing emails, fake text messages, or compromised passwords.
Once inside a digital wallet, they may be able to authorize tap transactions or add the wallet to another device.
NFC Card Cloning
NFC card cloning involves using illegal skimming devices to capture the contactless signal from a tap-enabled card. This can happen in crowded places or near tampered payment terminals.
The captured data is then used to create a duplicate card capable of making unauthorized tap payments.
Phone Malware
Malware can be installed when users download unverified apps, or click malicious links sent by email or text.
Once installed, the malware may allow fraudsters to access wallet credentials, payment data, or device permissions, making unauthorized tap transactions possible without the user’s knowledge.
Unattended Or Stolen Devices
If a smartphone is left unattended, unlocked, or protected by weak security settings, a scammer may be able to make quick tap payments before the owner notices.
Compromised Retail Terminals
In some cases, payment terminals themselves are compromised. A tampered terminal at a store or kiosk may capture tap-payment data, which is later used to attempt fraudulent transactions elsewhere.
| Example: Fraudsters using ghost tapping methods may bump or brush past you in a crowded location with a hidden reader, triggering a payment from your tap-enabled device. |
Is Ghost Tapping Limited to Credit Cards? Or Can Scammers Do the Same With My Debit Card?
Ghost tapping is most commonly associated with credit cards and mobile wallets, but debit cards can also be at risk. Many Canadian debit cards now support contactless payments, which means unauthorized tap transactions are possible, if the card or linked digital wallet is compromised.
That said, there are some key differences here.
| Example: Debit card fraud can be more disruptive since transactions pull money directly from your bank account, rather than a credit line. |
While banks often reverse fraudulent debit transactions, the process can take time, and while you’re waiting, any missing funds could cause short-term cash flow issues.
Mobile wallets linked to debit cards can also be targeted if account credentials or device security are compromised. Any tap-enabled payment method — credit, debit, or digital wallet — can potentially be exploited.
Signs You May Have Been A Victim Of Ghost Tapping
Ghost tapping can be difficult to notice, especially when transactions are small or appear legitimate.
- Unexplained Charges On Your Statement: You may notice unexplained charges on your credit card or bank statements, often for low-dollar amounts, meant to avoid attention. Transactions may be linked to locations you don’t recognize, or haven’t physically visited.
- Alerts: Digital wallet alerts can also pose a clue. For example, notifications about payments you didn’t authorize, new devices added to your wallet, or any strange changes to your account settings should be taken seriously. In some cases, you may receive emails or security alerts about new sign-ins or login attempts you didn’t make.
| Be Alert! Catching these signs early can limit the damage, and make it easier to recover any lost funds. |
What to Do If You’re A Victim Of Ghost Tapping
If you suspect ghost tapping, it’s important to act quickly.
- Reach Out To Your Creditor: You can start by contacting your bank or card issuer immediately, and ask them to freeze your account, investigate any suspicious charges, and issue a replacement card if needed. Many institutions have zero-liability policies, but prompt reporting is usually required to ensure the best possible outcomes.
- Lock Your Account: You’ll then want to lock or disable the affected card or digital wallet. If a mobile wallet is involved, remove any linked cards and sign out of all devices until the issue has been resolved.
- Change Your Passwords: It can also be smart to change your passwords for banking apps, email accounts, and digital wallets, and consider reviewing your enabled security features and potentially upgrade them, where possible. This should help prevent further unauthorized access.
- Report The Charge: You may also choose to report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, which tracks fraud trends and provides guidance. Also, filing a police report may be required in certain cases, particularly if identity theft is suspected.
- Keep Tabs On Your Credit Report: Finally, be sure to monitor your credit report for any unusual activity there. Keeping an eye on your accounts in the weeks following an incident can help ensure there are no further weak links across your financial profile.
| Free Credit Report Check your credit report and credit score for free using Loans Canada’s CompareHub tool online. |
How to Protect Yourself Against Ghost Tapping
While no payment method is completely risk-free, there are some practical steps you can take to reduce your exposure to ghost tapping and catch issues early if they occur.
Strengthen Your Account & Device Security
One move you can make is to secure your devices and financial apps. Consider enabling biometric authentication or stronger passcodes on your phone and digital wallets, and turn on two-factor authentication where available.
Real-time transaction alerts from your bank or card issuer can also help you spot unauthorized tap payments as soon as they happen.
Use RFID Or NFC-Blocking Wallets
For physical cards, RFID or NFC-blocking wallets can help prevent unauthorized scanning attempts. These wallets are designed to block contactless signals, making it harder for criminals to capture card data in crowded or public spaces.
Never Leave Your Smartphone Unattended
Avoid leaving your phone unattended, even briefly, especially in public places. If your phone is unlocked or has weak security settings, it may be vulnerable to unauthorized tap payments or account access.
Keep Your Devices Updated
Regular software updates often include important security patches, which help keep your devices secure. Keeping your phone’s operating system and apps up to date helps protect against known vulnerabilities that fraudsters may try to exploit.
Review Bank Statements Regularly
If you don’t already do so, consider making a habit of reviewing your bank and credit card statements regularly. Small, unfamiliar charges can be early warning signs of ghost tapping or other forms of fraud.
Learn more: How To Read Your Credit Card Bill
Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Financial Apps
Lastly, try to avoid using public Wi-Fi networks, especially if you’re accessing banking apps, digital wallets, or financial accounts.
Final Thoughts
Ghost tapping is an example of how payment fraud continues to evolve alongside new technology. As contactless payments become more common, understanding the risks, and knowing how to spot and respond to suspicious activity, is essential.
Staying alert, using the best available security features, and acting quickly if you spot something suspicious can help you to avoid becoming a victim of ghost tapping and other types of financial fraud.
FAQs
Can ghost tapping happen with my card in my wallet?
Are mobile wallets safer than physical cards?
What should I do if I suspect ghost tapping?
References:
1Payments Canada (2025, October 2). Canada reaches $12.2 trillion in payment transactions in 2024, with credit cards accounting for 1 in 3 transactions. Payments Canada.
