India and its people are slowly and gradually shifting the components of their everyday life to the digital world through various digital platforms. From uploading photos to transferring funds online, we have come a long way, but that also means that, along with technological development, scammers have been developing new and innovative ways to fool people and rob them of their precious belongings. There are already innumerable scams and frauds currently in the market, with the addition of a new one called the ghost tapping fraud.
Many people are still questioning, ‘Is ghost tapping a fraud or real?’, and we would like to inform you that, unfortunately, yes, it is true and every bit as real. This new scam is quite different from other traditional theft scams or online scams, as this scam is a bit more discreet than the others. The new ghost touch fraud is like a virus that operates silently in the background and drains one’s financial resources until there is nothing left with nothing but a simple ‘tap’.
Read the article to learn more about the ghost tapping mobile scam, ranging from its meaning and operation to ghost tapping fraud prevention measures, along with answers to questions, like ‘Can ghost tapping steal money?’.
Overview
The table below summarises some key details about the ghost tapping scam that one should know to stay protected against it.
| Name of the fraud | Ghost tapping scam |
|---|
| Ghost tapping scam explained | A digital payment scam wherein fraudsters begin the criminal act either by physically scanning online payment wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Paytm, etc.) or by stealing one’s card details to make unauthorised transactions |
| Targets | Debit card, credit card, mobile wallets, smartphones, etc. |
| General operation of the ghost tapping mobile scam | It begins with stealing one’s card details and then draining one’s account slowly and gradually with small unnoticeable transactions |
| What to do if one becomes a victim of ghost tapping fraud on smartphone? | Block your card immediately and file a complaint with the cybercrime division of India |
| Ghost tapping fraud prevention measures | Never share OTPs, avoid clicking on suspicious links, enable transaction alerts, etc. |
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What Is Ghost Tapping Fraud?
Ghost tapping fraud in India is a new-age scam wherein the fraudsters’ ultimate aim is to rob people of their financial resources and assets until they have nothing left. It is a digital payment scam wherein fraudsters begin the criminal act either by physically scanning online payment wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Paytm, etc.) or by stealing one’s card details to make unauthorised transactions for personal gain.
There are reportedly two ways of this new digital payment scam: one is to make people use the feature of ‘tap’ payments, and the second is to use small card readers or scanners to quickly tap from a digital wallet without the owner noticing that their card has been scanned. This scam is completely dependent on the use of one technology, and that is Near Field Communication (NFC), also known as tap payments.
Authorities have also noticed that this scam is usually being reported in crowded areas and tourist spots, such as airports, market festivals, carnivals, and basically anywhere where people seem to be in a rush. Several media reports have reported the incidents of ghost tapping phone fraud in continents and countries, like the United States of America (USA), the United Kingdom (UK), Spain, France, Italy, Thailand, Indonesia, and other such tourist destinations.
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How Does Ghost Tapping Work?
Fraudsters operate using the ghost tapping technique in a silent unnoticeable way. The ghost tapping phone scam truth of operation is mentioned below for one’s better understanding and clarity:
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Scammers' first step in ghost tapping is to steal one’s card information through various ways. The most popular way is to make people use the feature of tap-to-pay, as it is quick and easily goes unnoticed.
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The aim of the scammers is not to steal the physical debit or credit cards of people, but to store the data in disposable smartphones (burner phones) or mobile wallets. After stealing and storing the required information, scammers create a set of ‘ghost’ devices for in-store purchases or distribution to other scammers for personal gain.
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To successfully carry out ghost tapping cyber fraud, scammers choose crowded and heavily populated areas, such as airports, market festivals, carnivals, or tourist hotspots, where people are in a rush. After stealing payment-related information from people, scammers avoid carrying out big transactions and instead carry out multiple small transactions, as they can easily go unnoticed by people.
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Ghost Tapping Fraud Prevention Tips
Every individual must keep themselves protected against all types of online scams and fraudulent activities, and protection is not only about Ghost Tapping Fraud awareness but prevention tips as well. Some Ghost Tapping Fraud Prevention tips are as follows for one’s reference:
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As this new scam primarily operates through the use of Near Field Communication/tap-to-pay technology, it is better if you turn that feature off, especially if you are planning to go to heavily populated areas, like metros, airports, market festivals, carnivals, or tourist hotspots. Inactivate the contactless payment feature and avoid such digital payment scams.
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Please use the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) blocking wallets as an added layer of protection for your bank accounts. These wallets block any external Near Field Communication devices from scanning the cards in the wallet. Along with this, please keep your smartphone locked and secured at all times with biometric or PIN-protected measures so that no one can easily go through your phone.
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Individuals should enable the technology of transaction alerts that come in various forms, like SMS, emails, app notifications, and others. Please keep a check on your bank statements and payment activities, especially when you are travelling or on a long shopping spree, so that noticing even minor changes is easy.
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Never and ever share One Time Passwords (OTPs) received via SMS or email to anyone over a phone call or even socially. Shift to using strong authenticating measures, like two-factor authentication, biometric verification, etc. These measures help in combating such fraudulent digital criminal activities.
Conclusion
Ghost tapping cyber fraud is a new digital payment scam that has entered the market, and the primary technology that it uses to rob people of their finances is the Near Field Communication or tap-to-pay technology. This scam is a reminder of how technologies made for our extreme comfort and convenience can, at times, become extremely dangerous too in just a couple of seconds.
We request that you keep yourself updated and educated about all such fraudulent activities and take preventive measures as well to avoid becoming a victim. However, if, unfortunately, you still do become a victim of any cyber scams, please do not hesitate to report it to the cybercrime division as soon as possible.
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Visit Jaagruk Bharat’s Cyber Crime Complaint Service
At Jaagruk Bharat, we’re committed to helping you stay safe online. If you’ve been a victim or suspect fraud, visit our Cyber Crime Complaint Page to report the incident and seek guidance. Our team ensures your complaint is directed to the right authorities with clarity and speed.
