There’s something so satisfying about tapping your card and walking away with your coffee, your groceries, or that quick grab at the gas station. No lines, no swiping, no pin codes. Just tap and go. But somewhere between that convenience and comfort, a new kind of fraud has been creeping in. We call it contactless fraud.
I’ll be honest, I used to think, “One day, but not today.” It felt harmless, futuristic even. But the truth is, scammers are just as tech-savvy as the rest of us. And the more we lean into convenience, the more they lean into finding ways to exploit it.
So, let’s talk about what’s really happening when you tap to pay, what to look out for, what to do, and equally important what not to do.
The Sneaky Side of Convenience
Have you ever been in a crowded store or on public transit, and someone brushed a little too close? That moment can be more than awkward. Some scammers use small devices to “skim” card details wirelessly from your wallet or purse if your card or phone is close enough. It’s called RFID skimming. This one, we are very familiar with.
Now, most banks have added extra layers of encryption and security. But no system is foolproof. If your card has that tiny wave symbol on it, it’s contactless which also means it can be read without being physically swiped. And while that’s not an everyday risk, it happens more than people realize.
I once got a notification for a $3.12 charge at a café I’d never even heard of halfway across the state. It was small enough not to raise alarms, but it was my red flag. That small charge was a test transaction. When scammers test, they’re checking if the card works before going for a bigger hit later.
What You Can Do to Stay Ahead
- Here’s what I’ve learned and now live by:
- Use mobile wallets (like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, or Google Pay) whenever possible. These create a unique, one-time digital code for each transaction, which means your actual card number isn’t shared.
- Check your statements weekly. Yes, weekly. Fraud often starts small. Those $2 or $5 charges may look like nothing, but they’re often tests to see if your card is active.
- Get an RFID-blocking wallet or sleeve. They’re affordable, and they stop scammers from scanning your card in public spaces.
- Turn off tap-to-pay if you don’t use it often. Most banking apps let you toggle that feature off. If you prefer swiping or inserting your chip, that’s okay too.
- Use alerts. Set up push notifications for every transaction. It might feel extra, but seeing those instant pop-ups gives you immediate awareness.
- Report suspicious charges fast. Don’t wait for your bank to notice. A quick call or app notification can save you money and stress.
What Not to Do
Now, here’s where some people unknowingly make it easier for fraudsters:
- Don’t tap your card on unfamiliar or broken-looking terminals. If the screen is cracked, or the reader is loose, walk away. Scammers sometimes attach fake covers that steal data.
- Don’t save your card info everywhere. Every “save this card for future purchases” button adds another copy of your card to a system that could one day be hacked.
- Don’t assume your bank will catch everything. Most systems are good, but algorithms miss things. Always double-check your activity manually.
- Don’t share screenshots of receipts or cards online. Even if you cover numbers, scammers can use bits of visible data to piece together your card identity.
If It Happens Anyway
Let’s be real, even the most careful person can still get hit. The goal isn’t to be perfect; it’s to be prepared.
If you ever find yourself in this spot:
- Freeze your card immediately. Most banking apps have that option.
- Call your bank and dispute the charge. They’ll reissue a new card.
- Change your passwords if you use the same one for online banking or digital wallets.
- Keep your records. Screenshots, emails, and text notifications help when verifying disputes.
- Follow up. Fraud departments sometimes take weeks; stay in touch until resolved.
Technology Isn’t the Enemy, Carelessness Is
I’m not saying don’t use contactless payments. I use them every single day. They’re safe when used smartly. The key is awareness. Some people prefer to keep their cards locked until they’re ready to make a purchase. For others, that might feel inconvenient — but it adds a small extra layer of safety.
Every time you tap, imagine a little “transaction handshake” happening in the background. If both sides agree securely, you’re good. If someone fakes that handshake, the system breaks.
Your best protection isn’t paranoia, it’s paying attention. Fraud happens quietly, and awareness makes it loud.
** Be mindful when someone else offers to “tap for you,” especially at stores or restaurants. Never hand your phone or card over to the cashier to tap out of sight. They could easily tap on a second hidden device that copies your payment information for later use. Always make sure you see the screen and confirm that your payment only goes through once. A little awareness goes a long way in keeping your information safe.
Contactless payments make life smoother, but like any modern tool, they come with a few sharp edges. Staying alert, checking your accounts, and keeping your transactions in sight helps you stay in control. Using mobile wallets and disabling tap-to-pay when you don’t need it keeps your information safer, too.
The world isn’t going backward cashless and contactless payments are here to stay. The smartest move isn’t avoiding them, it’s understanding them. The more you know how to protect your money in this tap-and-go world, the less likely you’ll ever need to say, “Wait, I didn’t buy that!”