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Ghost tapping: The scam charging your card without you knowing

May 3, 2026 – Published on KIRO 7 News Seattle, WA

A new scam to watch out for: ghost tapping. Ghost tapping is a proximity-based scam that uses the same tap-to-pay technology you see at legitimate businesses every day, to steal from you.

Using cheap, easy-to-buy card readers, thieves can trigger small wireless transactions just by getting close enough to your wallet or phone — and they can do it no warning or notification.

GuidePoint Security’s James Chatwani recently joined KIRO 7 News to share more about the threat actors behind the scam and how you can protect yourself.

Read and Watch More HERE.