Beware of Tap-to-pay Scams: A Cautionary Tale out of Chicago
In a recent incident at a Chicago Target store, what started as an innocent request for a $20 donation turned into a dangerous and costly encounter for one couple.
The Incident
A couple was approached by two men claiming they needed donations for a brother’s funeral. When the couple agreed to donate $20 the scammers insisted on using contactless payment instead of cash. What happened next was shocking- instead of $20, the scammers charged $4500 through Apple Pay.
The dangerous aftermath
The situation escalated when one of the victims chased the scammers into a parking garage and attempted to stop them. The confrontation led to serious injuries including a fractured rib and punctured lung when he was thrown from the scammer’s vehicle.
Understanding tap-to-pay frauds and scams
- Scammers exploit contactless payment features on smartphones. (NFC)
- They can set any price on their payment terminal.
- Victims often do not notice the actual amount until it is too late.
How to protect yourself
- Be wary of strangers requesting money in public places.
- If someone will not accept cash, walk away.
- Never hand your phone to strangers
- Enable security features like face recognition or authentication for each transaction.
- Regularly monitor your payment history
If you are scammed
Do not chase or confront scammers – it is not worth risking your safety instead:
- Contact your bank immediately.
- Dispute the charges.
- Report the incident to the FTC (Federal Trade Commission, ftc.gov)
While the couple in the story eventually recovered their money through a dispute, the physical and emotional toll serves as a stark reminder to stay vigilant when using contactless payment methods.
Your Legacy is here for you in the event of a scam, but there is only so much we can do when you accept the terms and conditions on third party apps. Please be vigilant!
