How Scammers Steal Money Through Apple Pay and Google Pay — and How to Protect Yourself

The rise in popularity of mobile payments has led to an increase in fraud cases. Despite the high level of security of Apple Pay and Google Pay, criminals find vulnerabilities that allow them to steal funds. They use phishing attacks, malware, data interception, and social engineering. Let's look at what schemes are used and how you can protect your money.

Methods of Hacking Apple Pay and Google Pay 

Attackers use various methods to gain access to users' accounts and bank cards.

1. Phishing sites. Criminals create fake pages that look like official Apple or Google services. Through such resources, they obtain logins and passwords, then connect their devices to the victims' payment accounts.
2. Intercepting SMS codes. An attack is possible through SIM card swapping or malware. Having obtained one-time confirmation codes, scammers make payments.
3. Malicious applications. Dangerous programs downloaded from unofficial sources can steal payment data and transmit it to criminals.
4. Attacks on terminals. Special devices allow reading information about contactless payments and cloning virtual cards.
5. Social engineering. Criminals call users posing as support services, convincing them to provide account details or confirm fraudulent transactions.
6. NFC signal interception. Some devices can read payment data if the victim has the contactless payment feature enabled.

The use of such methods allows criminals to commit theft of funds and fraudulent transactions.

How Scammers Use Stolen Data 

After gaining access to payment data, criminals act according to several schemes:

• Paying for purchases in online stores. Using stolen card data, scammers make expensive purchases.
• Creating copies of virtual cards. Obtained details allow issuing digital copies of cards and using them for transactions.
• Transferring money to fake accounts. Criminals can make transfers to pre-prepared accounts and cash out funds.
• Subscribing to services. Connecting to paid services without the owner's knowledge leads to regular charges.
• Selling data on the dark web. Apple Pay and Google Pay accounts can be resold to other scammers.

Some criminals use combinations of methods to complicate the detection of fraud and hinder the return of funds.

Ways to Protect Mobile Payments 

To protect Apple Pay and Google Pay from scammers, it is necessary to follow cybersecurity measures:

1. Enable two-factor authentication. This significantly complicates access to the account in case of a password leak.
2. Use strong passwords. Complex combinations reduce the likelihood of account hacking.
3. Disable NFC when not needed. This will prevent the possibility of reading payment data at a short distance.
4. Regularly check card statements. Monitoring transactions helps quickly identify fraudulent activities.
5. Do not share confirmation codes. Apple, Google, and banks do not request one-time passwords by phone or messages.
6. Install antivirus software. Modern antivirus programs can detect malicious applications.
7. Be cautious of calls from support services. If the caller asks for card details or to confirm a transaction, verify the information through an official channel.

Additionally, it is recommended to use virtual cards with a limit for online payments.

What to Do if You Suspect a Breach

If there are signs of fraud, it is necessary to act quickly:

• Block the card through the bank's app or by calling the hotline.
• Disconnect the device from the Apple ID or Google account.
• Contact the bank to check suspicious transactions.
• Change passwords in all related services.
• Check the smartphone for viruses using antivirus software.
• Report suspicious activity to Apple or Google support.
• Contact law enforcement if there are significant financial losses.

Quick response to the threat can prevent further financial losses.

Conclusion

Apple Pay and Google Pay provide a high level of security, but scammers find ways to hack. Using phishing, malware, social engineering, and data interception allows criminals to steal money. Following cybersecurity rules, paying close attention to payment operations, and promptly responding to suspicious activity help minimize risks and protect finances.

It is also worth considering that scammers are constantly improving their schemes, finding new vulnerabilities. Therefore, it is important to regularly update software, monitor changes in the security policy of payment systems, and use only official applications. Vigilance and a comprehensive approach to protecting personal data will help prevent financial losses.