Urgent Alert: New Jersey’s “Ghost Tapping” Scam Steals Funds

UPDATE: A shocking new scam, dubbed “ghost tapping,” is sweeping through New Jersey, posing an immediate threat to tap-to-pay users. Fraudsters can siphon funds directly from your bank account without any physical contact, making it a terrifying new method of theft.

According to the Better Business Bureau, this alarming scheme is gaining traction, and experts are urging consumers to act fast before they fall victim. “Scammers are stealing credit cards that a person has in a digital wallet, putting that information into a ghost phone, and then using that ghost phone at point-of-sales retail stores,” warns Paul Oster, president of Better Qualified, a credit management firm based in Eatontown.

HOW IT WORKS: The cyber-thieves need to be just a few feet away from their target. They utilize concealed-card readers or “ghost phones” to swipe your digital card information, especially in crowded areas. “They are literally able to steal the cards in your digital wallet just by standing right next to you,” Oster said. Scammers can also trick unsuspecting victims into tapping their cards for fake products, leading to unauthorized charges.

GROWING DANGER: The scope of this scam is escalating alarmingly. Cyber thieves are reportedly recruiting accomplices from other countries, traveling around while committing fraud and either selling the stolen goods on the black market or bringing them back home. This global operation has made New Jersey shoppers vulnerable to widespread financial loss.

PROTECT YOURSELF: Residents are urged to abandon tap-and-pay transactions immediately. Instead, opt to either swipe or insert your debit or credit card. “If you tap to pay and the merchant is part of this scam, they just stole your information,” Oster cautioned.

To further safeguard against ghost tapping, Oster suggests several proactive measures:
– Always verify the merchant’s name and transaction amount on the terminal screen before tapping.
– Keep credit and debit cards in RFID-blocking sleeves to shield them from unauthorized scanning.
– Set up transaction alerts with your bank to receive real-time notifications for every charge.
– Never share verification codes, even if they appear to be from a trusted source.

In a grim twist, Oster emphasizes the dire implications of this scam, quipping, “I don’t say tap-to-pay anymore. I say it’s tap-to-pray.” As this scheme continues to unfold, New Jersey residents must remain vigilant to protect their personal and financial information.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as authorities work to combat the growing threat of ghost tapping. Share this information widely to keep your friends and family informed!