WARNING: Scammers Targeting Tap-to-Pay Users in Louisiana and Texas
(KNGT-FM) - Think tapping your card is the safest way to pay? Think again. A new wave of scams is hitting gas pumps and store counters across Louisiana and Texas, the worst part? You might not even notice it's happening. Before you tap and go, here's what you need to know to avoid getting tricked and ripped off.
I am the world's worst at using tap. Whether it's on Apple Pay or just simply tapping the card to the machine, it's just so easy and convenient.
There are so many ways people can get scammed nowadays, but it's even worse when you don't realize what is happening. There have been a few recent stories of some scary and dangerous TAP-TO-PAY scams...
A recent warning shows that scammers have been placing fake tap-to-pay stickers right over the real ones at the pump. These fake stickers can steal your card information when you try to pay. The crazy part is that the pump still works like normal, so you might not even know you’ve been tricked. If something looks off or if the sticker looks like it can be peeled off, it’s best to play it safe and go inside to pay.
READ MORE: Get A Suspicious Text Lately? Absolutely, Could Be A Scam...
Per LegacyFCU, there are a few different options you can try to make sure you are safe from scammers when paying...
You should always look at the card reader before tapping. If the sticker or label looks like it doesn’t belong or has rough edges, that’s a red flag. Use phone apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay when possible, because they offer extra protection by hiding your real card number. Also, keep an eye on your bank statements. The sooner you catch something weird, the better your chances of fixing it fast.
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Gallery Credit: Michelle Heart