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.

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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.

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.

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Driving an electric vehicle could soon mean charging as you go. A new wireless charging pilot in France is showing how coils built into the road can transfer more than 300 kilowatts of power to moving EVs. This breakthrough could make long trips possible without stopping at a charging station.

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RESEARCHERS CREATE REVOLUTIONARY AI FABRIC THAT PREDICTS ROAD DAMAGE BEFORE IT HAPPENS

The road that powers your vehicle

The technology comes from Electreon Wireless, working with Vinci Construction, Gustave Eiffel University and Hutchinson. Together, they’ve installed about a one-mile stretch of road near Paris that can transfer energy to EVs in motion.

So far, the system has powered a truck, van, car and bus — all equipped with special pickup coils. Early tests show the system can deliver peak power over 300 kW and more than 200 kW under steady conditions. That’s strong enough to keep large cargo trucks rolling for miles without a pit stop.

New wireless road tech in France powers EVs while they drive, offering more than 300 kilowatts of charging. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Charging ahead: Why it matters

If widely adopted, dynamic wireless charging could change how America powers transportation. Heavy-duty trucks could use smaller, cheaper batteries. Delivery vehicles and buses could stay on the road longer with less downtime.

For drivers, it could mean never having to worry about range anxiety again. Instead of hunting for the nearest charger, the highway itself could be your power source.

WOULD YOU BUY THE WORLD’S FIRST PERSONAL ROBOCAR?

Electreon’s one-mile test track near Paris charges moving EVs through coils built into the road. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

The roadblocks ahead

The big questions now are about cost and control. Who pays to install these power roads? How much will it cost to use them? Public-private partnerships may hold the key, but until those details are ironed out, large-scale rollout remains a challenge.

Still, with global momentum building, it’s only a matter of time before dynamic wireless charging becomes part of everyday driving.

What this means for you

This innovation is not limited to Europe. In Detroit, Michigan, a public road on 14th Street already uses embedded charging coils that can send power to EVs as they move. In Indiana, Purdue University and the Indiana Department of Transportation are building a quarter-mile highway section designed to charge electric vehicles, including heavy trucks, while they travel.

For drivers, this technology could make owning an EV easier and more practical. Your vehicle could recharge during normal trips without the need to stop, plug in or wait. That level of convenience could help expand EV adoption across the United States, lowering emissions and fuel costs for millions.

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THE ROAD TO PROSPERITY WILL BE PAVED BY AUTONOMOUS TRUCKING

The innovation could transform U.S. roads, cutting downtime for electric trucks and buses. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Kurt’s key takeaways

Wireless charging roads are moving from concept to construction and showing real promise for a new era of electric travel. The idea that vehicles could charge while driving has the potential to transform how we move goods, commute and use energy. There are still big questions about who will fund widespread installation and how well the system will perform under real traffic and weather conditions. The technology is advancing fast, but scaling it will take time, collaboration and investment. If these challenges can be overcome, dynamic wireless charging could redefine the way we think about mobility and sustainability.

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Do you think this is really a viable way to power the future of transportation? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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YouTube is arguably the most popular and most visited platform for entertainment, education and tutorials. There’s a video for everything on YouTube, whether you want to learn how to cook, ride a bike or need help with work or school. But recent research by Check Point reveals a darker side: a sprawling malware distribution network quietly operating within the platform. Hackers are using compromised accounts, fake engagement and clever social engineering to spread information-stealing malware disguised in more than 3,000 software cracks and game hack videos.

Most victims begin by searching for free or cracked software, cheat tools or game hacks, which is the root of the infection chain. This curiosity for “free” software opens the door to the Ghost Network’s traps.

META ACCOUNT SUSPENSION SCAM HIDES FILEFIX MALWARE

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Cybercriminals are exploiting YouTube’s massive reach by disguising malware inside fake “how-to” and “free software” videos. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

All about YouTube’s ghost network

According to Check Point Research, the YouTube Ghost Network has been active since 2021, with activity surging threefold in 2025. It’s built around a simple but effective formula, which blends social manipulation with technical stealth. The network’s primary targets are people searching for “Game Hacks/Cheats” and “Software Cracks/Piracy.”

Researchers discovered that these videos often feature positive comments, likes and community posts from compromised or fake accounts. This coordinated engagement gives potential victims a false sense of safety.

The fake social proof and fabricated likes, comments and subscriber activity play a key psychological role. They trick viewers into believing the content is legitimate and widely trusted, allowing the operation to persist even when YouTube removes individual videos or channels. The network’s modular structure and constant replacement of banned accounts make takedowns only temporarily effective.

Once a user clicks the provided links, they’re usually taken to file-sharing services or phishing sites hosted on Google Sites, MediaFire, Dropbox or similar platforms. The linked files are often password-protected archives, making them harder for antivirus tools to scan. Victims are then asked to disable Windows Defender before installation, effectively disarming their own protection before running the malware.

Check Point found that the majority of these attacks deliver information-stealing malware such as Lumma Stealer, Rhadamanthys, StealC and RedLine. These programs harvest passwords, browser data and other sensitive information, sending it back to the attacker’s command and control servers.

What makes the network particularly resilient is its role-based structure. Each compromised YouTube account serves a function; some upload malicious videos, others post download links and a third group boosts credibility by commenting and liking content. When an account gets banned, it’s quickly replaced, allowing the operation to continue largely uninterrupted.

A single click on a malicious link can disable your defenses and install information-stealing malware in seconds. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Inside the malicious campaigns

Two major campaigns stood out in Check Point’s investigation. The first involved the Rhadamanthys infostealer, spread through a compromised YouTube channel named @Sound_Writer, which had nearly 10,000 subscribers.

The attackers uploaded fake cryptocurrency-related videos and used phishing pages on Google Sites to distribute malicious archives. These pages instructed viewers to “turn off Windows Defender temporarily,” assuring them it was a false alert. The archives contained executable files that quietly installed the Rhadamanthys malware, which connected to multiple control servers to exfiltrate stolen data.

The second campaign, involving HijackLoader and Rhadamanthys, leveraged a much larger channel, @Afonesio1, with around 129,000 subscribers. Here, attackers uploaded videos offering cracked versions of Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and FL Studio.

MICROSOFT SOUNDS ALARM AS HACKERS TURN TEAMS PLATFORM INTO ‘REAL-WORLD DANGERS’ FOR USERS

One of these videos gained over 291,000 views and dozens of glowing comments claiming the software worked perfectly. The malware was hidden inside a password-protected archive linked through a community post. The installer used HijackLoader to drop the Rhadamanthys payload, which then connected to rotating control servers every few days to avoid detection.

Even if you never complete the installation, you can still be at risk. Simply visiting the phishing or file-hosting sites may expose you to malicious scripts or credential theft prompts disguised as “verification” steps. Clicking the wrong link can compromise login data before any software is even installed.

Strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and regular security scans are your best defense against YouTube’s Ghost Network. (Cyberguy.com)

7 steps you can take to stay safe from YouTube’s ghost network

The Ghost Network succeeds by exploiting curiosity and trust. It disguises malware as “free software” or “game hacks,” relying on users to click before thinking. Protecting yourself means adopting habits that make it harder for attackers to fool you. Here are seven steps to stay safe:

1) Avoid cracked software and cheat downloads

Most infections start with people trying to download pirated or modified programs. These files are often hosted on unregulated file-sharing websites where anyone can upload malicious content. Even if a YouTube video looks polished or filled with positive comments, that doesn’t mean it’s safe. Official software developers and gaming studios never distribute downloads through YouTube links or third-party sites.

Besides being dangerous, downloading cracked software also poses legal risks. Piracy violates copyright law and can lead to serious consequences, while giving cybercriminals a perfect delivery channel for malware.

2) Use a strong antivirus

Make sure you have a trusted antivirus solution installed and always running. Real-time protection can detect suspicious downloads and block harmful files before they do any damage. Schedule regular system scans and keep your antivirus updated so it can recognize the latest threats.

The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

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

WHAT REALLY HAPPENS ON THE DARK WEB, AND HOW TO STAY SAFE

3) Never disable your antivirus or Windows Defender

If a tutorial or installer tells you to disable your security software, that’s a red flag. Malware creators use this trick to bypass detection. There’s no legitimate reason to turn off protection, even temporarily. The moment a file asks you to do so, delete it immediately.

4) Be cautious with YouTube links and download sources

Always inspect links before clicking. Hover over them to check the destination and avoid shortened or redirected URLs that hide their true target. Downloads hosted on unfamiliar domains or file-sharing sites should be treated as unsafe. If you need software, get it directly from the official website or trusted open-source communities.

5) Use a password manager and enable two-factor authentication (2FA)

Turning on 2FA for important accounts adds another layer of protection, ensuring that even if someone gets your password, they can’t access your account. Malware often aims to steal saved passwords and browser data. Storing credentials in a password manager keeps them encrypted and separate from your browser, making them harder to steal. Consider using a password manager, which securely stores and generates complex passwords, reducing the risk of password reuse. 

Next, see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our #1 password manager (see CyberGuy.com) pick includes a built-in breach scanner that checks whether your email address or passwords have appeared in known leaks. If you discover a match, immediately change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials. 

Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 at CyberGuy.com

6) Keep your operating system and apps updated

Software updates don’t just bring new features, but they also fix security flaws that malware can exploit. Enable automatic updates for your system, browser, and commonly used applications. Staying up to date is one of the simplest ways to prevent infections.

7) Use a trusted data removal service

Even after securing your system, your personal information might already be circulating online from past breaches. A reliable data removal service can continuously scan and request deletion of your data from people-search and broker sites, making it harder for cybercriminals to exploit your exposed information.

While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice.  They aren’t cheap, and neither is your privacy.  These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites.  It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet.  By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.

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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Kurt’s key takeaway

Cybercriminals have evolved beyond traditional phishing and email scams. By exploiting a platform built on trust and engagement, they have created a scalable, self-sustaining system for malware distribution. Frequent file updates, password-protected payloads, and shifting control servers make these campaigns difficult for both YouTube and security vendors to detect and shut down.

Do you think YouTube is doing enough to stop malware distribution on its platform? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com

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Most people do not realize their smart TV includes microphones that can capture sound even when voice commands are off. These tiny mics power voice search and assistants, but they also pose privacy risks. If that makes you uneasy, you are not alone. The good news is that it takes only a few minutes to disable your smart TV microphone and protect your conversations.

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YOUR PHONE IS TRACKING YOU EVEN WHEN YOU THINK IT’S NOT

Step one: Find the built-in mic switch

Before opening menus, check your TV’s frame. Many models feature a small hardware switch that turns the microphone off completely.

Look closely along the bottom or sides of your screen. Some switches are labeled “Built-in MIC.” On Samsung TVs, it’s often near the bottom right edge when facing the screen.

Take back control of your space and enjoy your smart TV safely without your microphone listening.  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Slide the switch to “off.” Your TV may confirm the change with an on-screen message. This is the most reliable way to stop the mic because it physically cuts power to it.

Step two: Disable the smart TV microphone in settings

If your TV lacks a physical switch, go through its settings menu. While the exact names differ by brand, most follow a similar pattern.

Press Home or Settings on your remote. Look for main sections such as System, General or Privacy. Inside, you’ll find microphone or voice options labeled Voice Recognition, Voice Assistant or Microphone Access.

Slide the built-in mic switch to stop your TV from listening. (Samsung)

Examples:

• Samsung: General → Voice
• Sony: Privacy → Google Assistant
• LG: User Agreements → Voice Settings

Toggle off every feature that uses the microphone. Some options may appear in more than one place, so check each section carefully.

Use your TV’s settings to disable voice features and protect privacy. (Samsung)

Step three: Balance convenience and privacy

Turning off your TV’s microphone does not mean you lose smart features. Many remotes include a push-to-talk button that activates voice control only when pressed.

If you rarely talk to your TV, keeping the microphone off makes sense. If you like using voice commands, enable it temporarily when you need it.

Step four: Check connected devices and apps

Even after you disable your smart TV microphone, voice-enabled apps and linked devices may still be listening.

Check any connected smart assistants such as Alexa, Google Assistant or Bixby. These platforms can continue capturing audio through your phone, smart speaker or another device on the same network.

STOP GOOGLE FROM FOLLOWING YOUR EVERY MOVE

Keep your privacy and still enjoy voice control, just use it when you need it. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Take a moment to review privacy settings in those apps as well. Turning off voice activity tracking across all your devices ensures that nothing in your home listens when you do not want it to.

Why smart TVs have microphones at all

Manufacturers include microphones to make TVs more interactive. You can ask for weather updates, control volume or find movies with your voice. It’s convenient, but it comes with trade-offs.

Some companies state in their privacy policies that voice data may be shared with third parties for analysis. That means your living room chatter could leave your home.

When you disable your smart TV microphone, you keep the benefits of a modern TV while limiting unwanted data collection.

What this means for you

By taking a few minutes to change one setting or flip one switch, you gain control over what your TV hears. It’s an easy way to improve your digital privacy without losing the entertainment experience you love.

You still get streaming apps, vivid displays and fast connectivity, just with added peace of mind.

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Kurt’s key takeaways 

Smart TVs offer great features, but convenience should never cost you privacy. Whether you flip a switch or use your settings menu, you have the power to decide when your TV listens.

Will you take back your living room privacy today or leave it as it is? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

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Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.