Technology

Ghost-tapping scam targets tap-to-pay users

Published

3 months ago

November 4, 2025

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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Technology

A surprise God of War prequel is out on the PS5 right now

Published

10 hours ago

February 12, 2026

Press Room

A surprise God of War prequel is out on the PS5 right now

To close out its February 2026 State of Play presentation, Sony revealed God of War Sons of Sparta, a new prequel 2D side scroller in the God of War franchise, and announced that it’s out right now on PlayStation 5.

”God of War Sons of Sparta is a 2D action platformer with a canon story set in Kratos’ youth during his harsh training at the Agoge alongside his brother Deimos,” Sony says. Over the course of the game, Kratos will “learn deadly skills using his spear and shield, as well as harness powerful divine artifacts known as the Gifts of Olympus to take on a wide array of foes.”

Sony’s Santa Monica Studio collaborated on the game with Mega Cat Studios. It costs $29.99, with a Digital Deluxe version available for $39.99.

Sony also announced that it’s working on a remake of the original God of War trilogy, with TC Carson set to return as the voice of Kratos. However, the project is “still very early in development, so we ask for your patience as it will be a while before anything else can be shared,” according to Sony. “When we can come back with an update, we aim to make it a big one!”

Technology

How to safely view your bank and retirement accounts online

Published

10 hours ago

February 12, 2026

Press Room

How to safely view your bank and retirement accounts online

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Logging into your bank, retirement or investment accounts is now part of everyday life. Still, for many people, it comes with a knot in the stomach. You hear about hacks, scams and stolen identities and wonder if simply checking your balance could open the door to trouble. That concern landed in our inbox from Mary.

“How do I protect my bank accounts, 401K and non-retirement accounts when I view them online?”
— Mary in Baltimore, Ohio

Mary’s question is a good one, because protecting your money online is not about one magic setting. It comes down to smart habits layered together.

DATA BREACH EXPOSES 400,000 BANK CUSTOMERS’ INFO

Securing your device with updates and antivirus software is the first step in protecting your financial accounts online. (REUTERS/Andrew Kelly)

Secure your device before logging into financial accounts

Everything begins with the device in your hands. If it isn’t secure, even the strongest password can be exposed. These essentials help lock things down before you ever sign in.

Start with these device security basics:

Keep your phone, tablet and computer fully updated with the latest operating system and browser versions
Use strong, always-on antivirus protection to block malware and phishing attempts. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.
Avoid public Wi-Fi when accessing financial accounts, or use a trusted VPN if you have no other option. For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

Protect your bank and investment account logins

Your login details are the front door to your money. Strengthening them reduces the chance that anyone else can get inside.

Strengthen your account logins by:

Using strong, unique passwords for every financial account
Avoiding saved passwords on shared or older devices
Relying on a password manager to create and store credentials securely. Our No. 1 pick, includes a built-in breach scanner that alerts you if your information appears in known leaks. If you find a match, change any reused passwords immediately and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials.
Checking whether your email or passwords have appeared in known data breaches and updating reused passwords immediately. Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com.
Turning on two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever it’s available

Avoid common online banking scams when logging in

Even well-secured accounts can be compromised through careless access. How you log in matters.

Reduce your risk when accessing financial accounts:

Typing website addresses yourself or using saved bookmarks
Avoiding login links sent by email or text, even if they look official
Checking for “https” and the lock icon before entering credentials
Logging out completely after every session, especially on mobile devices

Add extra layers of protection to financial accounts

Strong, unique passwords and two-factor authentication help stop criminals even if one login is exposed. (Photo by Neil Godwin/Future via Getty Images)

DON’T LET AI PHANTOM HACKERS DRAIN YOUR BANK ACCOUNT

Think of these as early warning systems. They help catch problems quickly, before real damage is done.

Enable financial account alerts and safeguards:

Setting up alerts for logins, withdrawals, password changes and new payees
Requiring extra confirmation for large or unusual transactions
Freezing your credit with the major credit bureaus to block new accounts opened in your name. To learn more about how to do this, go to Cyberguy.com and search “How to freeze your credit.”

Protect your identity beyond your bank accounts

Your financial accounts are only part of the picture. Identity protection helps stop problems before they ever reach your bank.

Go beyond basic banking security:

Monitoring for identity theft involving your Social Security number, phone number and email
Using an identity protection service that alerts you if your data appears on the dark web or is used fraudulently. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft at Cyberguy.com
Removing your personal information from data broker websites that buy and sell consumer data. A data removal service reduces risk before identity theft happens. 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.

Review bank and credit statements for early warning signs

Review your bank, credit card and investment statements regularly, even when nothing looks suspicious. Small red flags often appear long before major losses.

Everyday security habits that prevent financial scams

Many successful scams rely on pressure and trust, not advanced technology. Good habits close those gaps.

Practice smart daily security habits:

Never allow anyone to log into your accounts remotely, even if they claim to be from your bank
Avoid storing photos of IDs, Social Security cards, or account numbers on your phone or email
Stop immediately if something feels off, and contact the institution directly using a verified phone number

Logging in the right way, by typing web addresses yourself and avoiding suspicious links, reduces phishing risks. (Martin Bertrand / Hans Lucas / AFP via Getty Images)

Kurt’s key takeaways

Checking your bank or retirement accounts online should feel routine, not risky. With updated devices, strong logins, careful access and smart habits, you can keep control of your money without giving up convenience. Security is not about fear. It is about staying one step ahead.

Have you ever clicked a financial alert and wondered afterward if it was real or a scam? Let us know your thoughts by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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Technology

HP ZBook Ultra G1a review: a business-class workstation that’s got game

Published

22 hours ago

February 12, 2026

Press Room

HP ZBook Ultra G1a review: a business-class workstation that’s got game

Business laptops are typically dull computers foisted on employees en masse. But higher-end enterprise workstation notebooks sometimes get an interesting enough blend of power and features to appeal to enthusiasts. HP’s ZBook Ultra G1a is a nice example. It’s easy to see it as another gray boring-book for spendy business types, until you notice a few key specs: an AMD Strix Halo APU, lots of RAM, an OLED display, and an adequate amount of speedy ports (Thunderbolt 4, even — a rarity on AMD laptops).

I know from my time with the Asus ROG Flow Z13 and Framework Desktop that anything using AMD’s high-end Ryzen AI Max chips should make for a compelling computer. But those two are a gaming tablet and a small form factor PC, respectively. Here, you get Strix Halo and its excellent integrated graphics in a straightforward, portable 14-inch laptop — so far, the only one of its kind. That should mean great performance with solid battery life, and the graphics chops to hang with midlevel gaming laptops — all in a computer that wouldn’t draw a second glance in a stuffy office. It’s a decent Windows (or Linux) alternative to a MacBook Pro, albeit for a very high price.

$3499

The Good

Great screen, keyboard, and trackpad
Powerful AMD Strix Halo chip
Solid port selection with Thunderbolt 4
Can do the work stuff, the boring stuff, and also game

The Bad

Expensive
Strix Halo can be power-hungry
HP’s enterprise-focused security software is nagging

The HP ZBook Ultra G1a starts around $2,100 for a modest six-core AMD Ryzen AI Max Pro 380 processor, 16GB of shared memory, and basic IPS display. Our review unit is a much higher-spec configuration with a 16-core Ryzen AI Max Plus Pro 395, 2880 x 1800 resolution 120Hz OLED touchscreen, 2TB of storage, and a whopping 128GB of shared memory, costing nearly $4,700. I often see it discounted by $1,000 or more — still expensive, but more realistic for someone seeking a MacBook Pro alternative. Having this much shared memory is mostly useful for hefty local AI inference workloads and serious dataset crunching; most people don’t need it. But with the ongoing memory shortage I’d also understand wanting to futureproof.

Screen: A
Webcam: B
Keyboard: B
Trackpad: B
Port selection: B
Speakers: B
Number of ugly stickers to remove: 1 (only a Windows sticker on the bottom)

Unlike cheaper HP laptops I’ve tested that made big sacrifices on everyday features like speaker quality, the ZBook Ultra G1a is very good across the board. The OLED is vibrant, with punchy contrast. The keyboard has nice tactility and deep key travel. The mechanical trackpad is smooth, with a good click feel. The 5-megapixel webcam looks solid in most lighting. And the speakers have a full sound that I’m happy to listen to music on all day. I have my gripes, but they’re minor: The 400-nit screen could be a little brighter, the four-speaker audio system doesn’t sound quite as rich as current MacBook Pros, and my accidental presses of the Page Up and Page Down keys above the arrows really get on my nerves. These quibbles aren’t deal-breakers, though for the ZBook’s price I wish HP solved some of them.

The big thing you’re paying for with the ZBook Ultra is that top-end Strix Halo APU, which is so far only found in $2,000+ computers and a sicko-level gaming handheld, though there will be cut-down versions coming to cheaper gaming laptops this year.

The flagship 395 chip in the ZBook offers speedy performance for mixed-use work and enough battery life to eke out an eight-hour workday filled with Chrome tabs and web apps (with power-saving measures). I burned through battery in Adobe Lightroom Classic, but even though Strix Halo is less powerful when disconnected from wall power, the ZBook didn’t get bogged down. I blazed through a hefty batch edit of 47-megapixel RAW images without any particularly long waits on things like AI denoise or automated masking adjustments.

An understated workhorse of a laptop, for an opulent price.

The ZBook stays cool and silent during typical use; pushing it under heavy loads only yields a little warmth in its center and a bit of tolerable fan noise that’s easily drowned out by music, a video, or a game at normal volume.

This isn’t a gaming-focused laptop any more than a MacBook Pro is, as its huge pool of shared memory and graphics cores are meant for workstation duties. However, this thing can game. I spent an entire evening playing Battlefield 6 with friends, with Discord and Chrome open in the background, and the whole time it averaged 70 to 80fps in 1920 x 1200 resolution with Medium preset settings and FSR set to Balanced mode — with peaks above 100fps. Running it at the native 2880 x 1800 got a solid 50-ish fps that’s fine for single-player.

Intel’s new Panther Lake chips also have great integrated graphics for gaming, while being more power-efficient. But Strix Halo edges out Panther Lake in multi-core tasks and graphics, with the flagship 395 version proving as capable as a laptop RTX 4060 discrete GPU. AMD’s beefy mobile chips have also proven great for Linux if you’re looking to get away from Windows.

	HP Zbook Ultra G1a / Ryzen AI Max Plus Pro 395 (Strix Halo) / 128GB / 2TB	Asus Zenbook Duo / Intel Core Ultra X9 388H (Panther Lake) / 32GB / 1TB	MacBook Pro 14 / Apple M5 / 16GB / 1TB	MacBook Pro 16 / Apple M4 Pro / 48GB / 2TB	Asus ROG Flow Z13/ AMD Ryzen AI Max Plus 395 (Strix Halo) / 32GB / 1TB	Framework Desktop / AMD Ryzen AI Max Plus 395 (Strix Halo) / 128GB / 1TB
CPU cores	16	16	10	14	16	16
Graphics cores	40	12	10	20	40	40
Geekbench 6 CPU Single	2826	3009	4208	3976	2986	2961
Geekbench 6 CPU Multi	18125	17268	17948	22615	19845	17484
Geekbench 6 GPU (OpenCL)	85139	56839	49059	70018	80819	86948
Cinebench 2024 Single	113	129	200	179	116	115
Cinebench 2024 Multi	1614	983	1085	1744	1450	1927
PugetBench for Photoshop	10842	8773	12354	12374	10515	10951
PugetBench for Premiere Pro (version 2.0.0+)	78151	54920	71122	Not tested	Not tested	Not tested
Premiere 4K Export (shorter time is better)	2 minutes, 39 seconds	3 minutes, 3 seconds	3 minutes, 14 seconds	2 minutes, 13 seconds	Not tested	2 minutes, 34 seconds
Blender Classroom test (seconds, lower is better)	154	61	44	Not tested	Not tested	135
Sustained SSD reads (MB/s)	6969.04	6762.15	7049.45	6737.84	6072.58	Not tested
Sustained SSD writes (MB/s)	5257.17	5679.41	7317.6	7499.56	5403.13	Not tested
3DMark Time Spy (1080p)	13257	9847	Not tested	Not tested	12043	17620
Price as tested	$4,689	$2,299.99	$1,949	$3,349	$2,299.99	$2,459

In addition to Windows 11’s upsells and nagging notifications, the ZBook also has HP’s Wolf Security, designed for deployment on an IT-managed fleet of company laptops. For someone not using this as a work-managed device, its extra layer of protections may be tolerable, but they’re annoying. They range from warning you about files from an “untrusted location” (fine) to pop-ups when plugging in a non-HP USB-C charger (infuriating). You can turn off and uninstall all of this, same as you can for the bloatware AI Companion and Support Assistant apps, but it’s part of what HP charges for on its Z workstation line.

You don’t need to spend this kind of money on a kitted-out ZBook Ultra G1a unless you do the kind of specialized computing (local AI models, mathematical simulations, 3D rendering, etc.) it’s designed for. There’s a more attainable configuration, frequently on sale for around $2,500, but its 12-core CPU, lower-specced GPU, and 64GB of shared memory are a dip in performance.

Thunderbolt 4? On an AMD laptop?

Heresy! (I like heresy.)

If you’re mostly interested in gaming, an Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 or even a Razer Blade 16 make a hell of a lot more sense. For about the price of our ZBook Ultra review unit, the Razer gets you an RTX 5090 GPU, with much more powerful gaming performance, while the more modest ROG Zephyrus G14 with an RTX 5060 gets you comparable gaming performance to the ZBook Ultra in a similar form factor for nearly $3,000 less. The biggest knock against those gaming laptops compared to the ZBook is that their fans get much louder under load.

And while it’s easy to think of a MacBook Pro as the lazy answer to all computing needs, it still should be said: If you don’t mind macOS, you can get a whole lot more (non-gaming) performance from an M4 Pro / M4 Max MacBook Pro. Even sticking with Windows and integrated graphics, the Asus Zenbook Duo with Panther Lake at $2,300 is a deal by comparison, once it launches.

1/7

This keyboard is excellent.

At $4,700, this is a specific machine for specialized workloads. It’s a travel-friendly 14-inch that can do a bit of everything, but it’s a high price for a jack of all trades if you’re spending your own money. The ZBook piqued my interest because it’s one of the earliest examples of Strix Halo in a conventional laptop. After using it, I’m even more excited to see upcoming models at more down-to-earth prices.

2025 HP ZBook Ultra G1a specs (as reviewed)

Display: 14-inch (2880 x 1800) 120Hz OLED touchscreen
CPU: AMD Ryzen AI Max Plus Pro 395 (Strix Halo)
RAM: 128GB LPDDR5x memory, shared with the GPU
Storage: 2TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 NVMe SSD
Webcam: 5-megapixel with IR and privacy shutter
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C (up to 40Gbps with Power Delivery and DisplayPort), 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI 2.1, 3.5mm combo audio jack
Biometrics: Windows Hello facial recognition, power button with fingerprint reader
Weight: 3.46 pounds / 1.57kg
Dimensions: 12.18 x 8.37 x 0.7 inches / 309.37 x 212.60 x 17.78mm
Battery: 74.5Whr
Price: $4,689