Hackers Exploit Transit Mode in Apple Pay and GPay to Steal Money

Mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay (GPay) have revolutionized the way we pay, offering speed and convenience that traditional cards can’t match.

But as recent research and real-world incidents show, these digital wallets are not immune to attack.

In fact, some of their most convenient features—like Express Transit mode—are now being exploited by hackers to steal money in seconds, no card skimmer required.

Express Transit Mode: Tap, Pay… and Bypass Security

Express Transit mode was designed for frictionless travel. With a simple tap, commuters can breeze through turnstiles without fumbling for Face ID, fingerprints, or PINs. But this very convenience is a double-edged sword. In Express Transit mode:

• Charges are approved automatically
• No biometric check is required
• No alert is triggered at the time of the transaction

This means that if a thief gets hold of your locked phone, they ...