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Ghost-tapping scam targets tap-to-pay users

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Ghost-tapping scam targets tap-to-pay users

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A new scam called ghost tapping is spreading across the country. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns that scammers are using this tactic to steal money from people who use tap-to-pay credit cards and mobile wallets.

This scam exploits wireless technology to withdraw money without your awareness. Many victims only realize something is wrong after small, unnoticed transactions slowly drain their accounts.

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The Better Business Bureau warns of a new “ghost-tapping” scam draining money from tap-to-pay cards and mobile wallets. (Clara Margais/picture alliance via Getty Images)

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How the ghost-tapping scam works

Scammers use near-field communication (NFC) devices that mimic legitimate tap-to-pay systems. In busy places such as festivals, markets, or public transportation, they move close enough to your wallet or phone to trigger a transaction.

The BBB reports that some scammers pose as charity vendors or market sellers who only accept tap payments. Once you tap your card or phone, they charge far more than the agreed amount.

Because the first few withdrawals are usually small, they often go undetected by fraud systems. Victims may not notice until much later, when more money has been taken.

Real-life cases and warnings

A Missouri resident reportedly lost $100 after being approached by a person carrying a handheld card reader. The BBB Scam Tracker has recorded many similar cases across the nation, with losses sometimes exceeding $1,000.

Officials warn that scammers may pressure you to complete payments quickly, preventing you from verifying the amount or merchant name. Some even carry portable readers that can pick up signals through thin wallets or purses.

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How to protect yourself from ghost tapping

While the threat of ghost tapping may sound alarming, protecting yourself is easier than you think. A few smart habits and security tools can greatly reduce your risk of falling victim.

1) Use RFID-blocking technology

Invest in an RFID-blocking wallet or card sleeve to create a physical barrier between your card and potential scanners. These inexpensive tools prevent scammers from reading your card information through clothing, bags, or wallets. Look for sleeves or wallets specifically designed to block wireless communication.

2) Verify before you tap

Always check the merchant name and transaction amount displayed on the payment terminal before tapping. Scammers often rush you to avoid scrutiny. Take an extra second to confirm what you see matches what you agreed to pay. If something looks off, cancel the transaction immediately.

3) Set up instant alerts

Enable instant transaction alerts from your bank or credit card provider. This lets you know the moment a payment is made, giving you a chance to spot unauthorized activity right away. Quick detection can prevent further charges and make it easier to dispute fraudulent transactions.

Bonus protection: Even if you stop a scam early, your personal data can end up for sale online. Our No. 1 identity theft company monitors your credit and financial information, alerting you if your details appear on the dark web or in a data breach.  

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See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft at Cyberguy.com.

You can also use a data removal service to automatically delete your personal information from data broker sites that sell it, keeping you off scam lists before the next attack.

Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com.

 

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The BBB says reports of “ghost tapping” are rising, with some victims losing more than $1,000 to contactless theft. (M. Scott Brauer/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

4) Be cautious in crowded areas

Crowded environments such as festivals, public transportation, or street fairs create perfect conditions for scammers to blend in. Limit tap-to-pay use in these situations. Instead, use chip or swipe methods, which require physical contact and are harder to exploit.

5) Monitor your accounts regularly

Make it a habit to check your financial accounts at least once a week. Review each transaction carefully and report anything suspicious to your bank immediately. Even small unexplained charges could signal a larger problem.

6) Use payment app security features

Most mobile wallet apps allow you to set PINs, facial recognition, or fingerprint verification before authorizing a transaction. Make sure these protections are enabled. This adds another barrier that prevents criminals from initiating payments without your consent.

7) Keep your payment apps and devices updated

Regularly update your smartphone’s software and mobile wallet apps. Updates often include security patches that protect against newly discovered vulnerabilities scammers might exploit. Outdated software can leave your data exposed.

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Stay protected from payment-stealing malware:

In addition to keeping your apps updated, protect your device from hidden threats with strong antivirus software. It scans for malicious apps and spyware that can hijack your tap-to-pay data or record sensitive information. 

Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

8) Avoid saving multiple cards on mobile wallets

While convenient, storing several cards in one app can increase your exposure if your phone is compromised. Keep only the cards you use most often connected to your mobile wallet. This reduces the impact of potential fraudulent activity.

9) Report suspicious activity promptly

If you ever suspect ghost tapping or notice a strange charge, contact your bank immediately and report the scam to the BBB Scam Tracker. Quick action can help prevent additional losses and assist authorities in identifying scam trends.

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Victims of “ghost tapping” often lose money through small, unnoticed transactions before realizing they’ve been scammed. (Leonie Asendorpf/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Kurt’s key takeaways

As contactless payments become more common, scammers are getting more creative. Staying informed and cautious can help protect your money. Small steps like checking your transaction history and using protective gear can make a big difference. If you notice unauthorized charges, contact your bank immediately, freeze your card and report the scam to the BBB Scam Tracker. Technology offers convenience but can also create new risks. The ghost-tapping scam shows how quickly and easily payments can invite hidden dangers. Awareness and prevention remain the best ways to keep your finances safe.

Will you keep using tap-to-pay after learning about ghost tapping, or switch back to more traditional payment methods? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter. 

Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

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Govee’s new LED Lightwall comes with its own self-standing frame

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Govee’s new LED Lightwall comes with its own self-standing frame

Govee has announced an upgraded version of its hanging Curtain Lights Pro that can instead be used nearly anywhere you have access to an outlet or large battery. At $449.99, Govee’s new Lightwall is more than twice as expensive as the $199.99 Curtain Lights Pro, but comes with more LEDs in a denser array and a self-standing aluminum frame that can be assembled in 10 to 15 minutes without the need for any tools.

When hung from its stand the Lightwall measures 7.9 feet wide and 5.3 feet tall and features 1,536 color-changing LEDs spaced about 1.96 inches apart in a 48 x 32 grid. It’s water-resistant, and with the ability to refresh at up to 35fps the Lightwall almost sounds like it could be used as a personal backyard Jumbotron, but it’s not designed for watching TV or movies.

The Lightwall instead connects to Govee’s Home app where you can select from over 200 preset scenes and simple animations, choose from 10 different music modes that generate lighting patterns matched to beats, or synchronize its colors to other Govee lighting products to create a cohesive mood.

The app can also use AI to create custom animated GIFs from simple text prompts, or you can take matters into your own hands and create custom designs by sketching in the app with your finger and stacking up to 30 layers of doodles. The Lightwall is smart home compatible and supports Matter, too, so in addition to managing it through Govee’s app you can control it using voice commands through smart devices with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.

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Roblox adds age-based accounts for kids and teens

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Roblox adds age-based accounts for kids and teens

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If your child plays Roblox, they are part of a massive global audience. Roblox has reported more than 144 million daily active users, with a large share made up of kids and teens who log in to play games, create content and connect with friends. That reach is exactly why a new change rolling out in early June matters.

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Roblox is introducing two new account types designed to better match what kids play and who they can talk to based on age. The shift centers on structure. Instead of one shared experience with layered controls, Roblox is building separate environments for different age groups. As a result, content, chat and parental controls will adjust automatically as a child grows.

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OPENAI TIGHTENS AI RULES FOR TEENS BUT CONCERNS REMAIN

Roblox rolls out a new AI system that analyzes entire scenes in real time to detect harmful content across its platform. (Brent Lewin/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

 

What are Roblox Kids and Roblox Select accounts?

Roblox is dividing younger users into two groups, each with its own rules and experience.

Roblox Kids (ages 5 to 8)

This is the most restricted environment. It is designed for younger children who need tighter guardrails.

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  • Access limited to games rated Minimal or Mild
  • Only games that pass a three-step review process
  • Chat is turned off by default
  • A distinct visual design so parents can easily recognize the account

The idea here is simple. Kids see a limited version of Roblox that removes riskier content and disables communication.

Roblox Select (ages 9 to 15)

AUSTRALIA REMOVES 4.7M KIDS FROM SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS IN FIRST MONTH OF HISTORIC BAN

This group gets more flexibility, but still within limits.

  • Access to games rated up to Moderate
  • Same multi-step game screening process
  • Chat settings remain on by default in most regions
  • Visual indicators show the account type

At this stage, Roblox assumes users can handle a broader range of experiences, but still keeps filters in place.

How Roblox decides what games kids can play

Not every game makes the cut. Roblox is adding a continuous evaluation system that runs behind the scenes. Here’s how it works:

1) Developer verification

Creators must verify their identity, enable two-step security and maintain a Roblox Plus subscription.

2) Real-time evaluation

Older users, age 16 and up, effectively test new games first. Roblox studies how they interact and reviews reports before exposing those games to younger players.

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3) Content eligibility check

Games receive maturity ratings such as Minimal, Mild or Moderate. Certain categories, like social hangouts or free-form drawing, are excluded by default for younger users. This layered approach combines AI moderation, human review and real-world gameplay signals.

Age checks now control the entire experience

Roblox is expanding the same age-check system it introduced earlier this year for chat.

  • Users under 9 Roblox Kids
  • Users 9 to 15 Roblox Select
  • Users 16 and older standard with Roblox account

If a user does not complete an age check, they face stricter limits. They can only access lower-rated games and cannot use chat. Once verified, the system automatically moves them into the correct account type.

Roblox officials say the new system aims to proactively protect children while maintaining gameplay for compliant users. (Riccardo Milani/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images)

 

Accounts evolve as kids grow

There is no need to manually switch settings over time.

  • At age 9, users move from Kids to Select
  • At age 16, they move to a standard account

This automatic progression is designed to simplify things for families while keeping protections in place at each stage.

Parental controls get more precise

Roblox is also expanding what parents can do.

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  • Block specific games through age 15
  • Manage direct chat settings until age 15
  • Approve access to individual games outside default limits
  • View what games kids play and who they interact with

These tools give parents more direct control instead of relying only on broad content filters.

A move toward global content ratings

Later this year, Roblox plans to align with the International Age Rating Coalition framework. That includes familiar systems like ESRB in the U.S. and PEGI in Europe. The goal is to make ratings clearer and more consistent across regions. 

Why this matters to families

This update changes how Roblox works at a fundamental level. Instead of asking parents to constantly adjust settings, the platform builds age-appropriate experiences from the start. It also reflects a broader shift in tech. Platforms are under pressure to design safety into the product, not tack it on later.

As Larry Magid, CEO of ConnectSafely, an organization focused on helping families navigate digital safety, put it:

“By combining age assurance, stronger creator accountability, and parental controls, Roblox is helping set a higher standard for how platforms can better protect younger users while preserving positive online experiences.”

Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?

Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Roblox targets nuanced rule-breaking by analyzing avatars, text and environments together instead of in isolation. (JasonDoiy/Getty Images)

Roblox is not removing risk entirely. No platform can. What it is doing is tightening the structure around how kids interact with content and other players. For parents, this could make things simpler. For kids, the experience will feel more tailored to where they are in life. The bigger question is whether this becomes the norm across gaming and social platforms.

If platforms start shaping experiences based on age by default, does that improve safety or limit how kids explore and learn online? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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YouTube now lets you turn off Shorts

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YouTube now lets you turn off Shorts

YouTube’s time management settings now have an option to put a zero-minute time limit on Shorts, effectively removing them from your app in Android and iOS. The option is an update to the Shorts timer YouTube originally announced in October; the lowest previous option was 15 minutes.

The feature was expanded in January to give parents some control over how long their kids spend scrolling through Shorts, with an option for zero minutes “coming soon.” According to YouTube spokesperson Makenzie Spiller, the option to set the timer to zero is now “live for all parents, and is currently being rolled out to everyone,” including users with regular adult accounts.

Regardless of age, it can be a handy tool for anyone who wants to spend a little less time scrolling. The Shorts tab won’t show any videos once you hit your limit, just a notification that you’ve “reached your Shorts feed limit.” In our tests, hitting the time limit also removes Shorts from the Home screen, so by setting the timer to zero you can ignore Shorts entirely if you want. To turn on the timer, go to the settings in the YouTube app and select “time management” then toggle on the Shorts feed limit and select a time for it.

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