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Tap-to-Pay Scams: Should Alaskans Worry?

The truth behind RFID theft

Aidan Smith,

AARP Alaska

Published September 09, 2026

Customer shopping at the supermarket and making a contactless payment

Getty Images

Alaskans following fraud trends may have heard that scammers could steal their credit card information without the card ever leaving their wallet. Technically, it’s possible. But before you panic, you should understand what tap-to-pay is, how these scams work, and if the risk is significant enough to worry about.

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The technology behind tap-to-pay

Contactless cards use a secure, short-range form of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology that transfers information between a card and a card reader via radio waves. Despite what many people think, using tap-to-pay doesn’t broadcast your credit card number; it sends an encrypted, one-time code to the card reader, which then verifies the code with your bank.

How tap-to-pay scams work

Alaskans' concerns about tap-to-pay scams stem from a technique called RFID skimming. In theory, a criminal carrying a concealed card reader could get close enough to someone's contactless card to steal their information.

Skimming contactless cards works because your card is always “on” and available to send information to nearby readers. If you have contactless payment through your cellphone, however, that information is only available when you enable your digital wallet.

Tap-to-pay scams are possible but rare

Experts say that even though tap-to-pay scams are theoretically possible, they shouldn’t cause Alaskans to lose any sleep. “There’s a lot in life to worry about, but someone stealing your credit/debit card information from the RFID chip shouldn’t be one of them,” Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) Chief Operating Officer James E. Lee told AARP.

While it can happen, RFID skimming requires a scammer to get within a few centimeters of a card. If you’ve ever been frustrated at checkout because you can’t seem to tap your card in the right spot, you know how precise a scammer would have to be.

Even if a scammer skimmed a contactless card, the amount of useful data they’d receive would be limited. Modern contactless cards generate secure, one-time transaction codes that don’t include crucial details like your PIN, name, or security code.

When an RFID blocker might be worth it

RFID-blocking items, like wallets, sleeves, and cards, aren’t completely worthless. For Alaskans who travel frequently, attend large events, or simply enjoy the peace of mind that comes from an extra layer of security, an RFID blocker may be a worthwhile investment.

If you decide to buy an RFID blocker, ensure it's from a reputable source at a reasonable price. Check reviews and don’t spend significantly more than you would on a wallet without the RFID-blocking technology.

How to protect yourself from scams besides an RFID blocker

For Alaskans who use tap-to-pay, several habits may provide more protection against fraud than an RFID blocker. Using unique passwords for every account, enabling two-factor authentication, reviewing bank statements regularly, opening a digital vault, and being skeptical of unexpected messages can help prevent more common scams. While RFID skimming tends to grab headlines because it sounds futuristic, it’s important to ask: At what point does protecting yourself cost more than the threat you're trying to avoid?

If you or a loved one has been targeted by a scam or fraud, you are not alone. You can call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360 (open 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. Alaska time Monday through Friday) to talk to a fraud specialist who can provide support and guidance on next steps. Whether you’ve lost money, shared personal information, or have a question, you can call.

You can also find tools, alerts, and prevention tips through the AARP Fraud Watch Network. Visit aarp.org/fraud for more resources. Remember: if you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.

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