The Knox County Sheriff's Office has issued a warning regarding a new credit card scam that's been dubbed "Ghost Tap." As reported on their official social media platform, the sheriff's office explained that since August 2024, detectives have been tracking down criminal rings, mainly consisting of Chinese nationals, engaged in substantial credit card fraud across several states. These individuals have been utilizing digital wallet apps to facilitate their illegal activities, traveling from states like California, New York, and Texas, and targeting areas they believe to be less vigilant about these sorts of crimes. The Knox County Sheriff's Office has apprehended over 10 suspects so far.
The "Ghost Tap" scam operates by loading stolen credit card information into a digital wallet app, which is then quickly used to purchase gift cards. These cards are then sold through online platforms, effectively laundering the stolen funds. According to the sheriff's office, financial institutions are estimated to be losing millions of dollars on a weekly basis to this scam. The sheriff's office strongly urges individuals to remain cautious, emphasizing that if you receive any unexpected text messages about unpaid tolls, package delivery issues, or account problems, you should not click on provided links or enter any personal information. These text messages are part of a real-time phishing strategy devised to extract personal and financial details from unsuspecting targets.
For those looking to safeguard themselves against such schemes, the sheriff's office recommends never sharing personal or financial information through text or email with unknown contacts. Furthermore, they remind the public that legitimate government agencies or law enforcement will never ask for debts to be settled via gift cards, nor will they seek private information via a phone call. Any suspicious activities should be reported immediately. "Stay alert. Stay informed. Share this post to protect others," as stated by the Knox County Sheriff's Office in their post.
The Knox County Sheriff's Office has also remarked on their use of advanced technology to not only track these criminals but to quickly apprehend them once they step into their jurisdiction. The Organized Retail Crime Unit, which falls under the NARC Division, seems to have been instrumental in the crackdown against these fraudulent activities. With the dissemination of the sheriff's warning, the hope is not just to curb the prevalence of "Ghost Tap" in Knox County, but to raise nationwide awareness and vigilance against a new breed of digital wallet exploitation that threatens the financial security of individuals and institutions alike.
