With the rise of online shopping and digital transactions, credit card fraud has become a prevalent issue in today’s society. One of the main avenues for this type of fraud is the dark web, where stolen credit card numbers are bought and sold by cybercriminals. This article will explore the dangers of stolen credit card numbers on the dark web and what you can do to protect yourself.
What are stolen credit card numbers?
Dark Web Site Releases Over 2 Million Credit Card Details
Stolen credit card numbers are credit card details that have been obtained through illegal means, such as data breaches or phishing scams. These numbers can be used to make unauthorized purchases or withdrawals, leading to financial loss for the victim.
- The reason, says Cybersixgill, is that cybercriminals who operate in Russia often do so without much objection from the Kremlin as long as Russian citizens aren’t targeted.
- Stolen credit cards are sold in online marketplaces such as UniCC for cryptocurrency.
- Many payment card numbers are stolen via data breaches; threat actors compromise payment sites, allowing them to stealth credit card numbers.
- Also, the researchers discovered that debit cards were more common than credit cards, which is particularly worrisome since debit cards don’t have the same level of protections as credit cards.
How are stolen credit card numbers sold on the dark web?
Sheffield Dark Web Card Scammers Made £300k In Stolen Goods
When you buy a VPN, you usually only get an IP address from big cities. The ultimate purpose of the GoldPickaxe trojan malware is to defeat the facial recognition access systems now used by some banks to secure mobile logins. There are several different techniques for acquiring facial data, but it can also intercept SMS messages and steal documents. By collecting hundreds of data points, the best-in-class fraud prevention solutions spot and stop fraudulent activity without blocking legitimate customers from making a purchase.
Cybercriminals use the dark web to buy and sell stolen credit card numbers anonymously. They often operate on underground marketplaces where they trade not only credit card numbers but also other sensitive information like social security numbers and login credentials.
The dangers of using stolen credit card numbers
Credit Card Tools You Can Use To Help Prevent Fraud
- Financial loss: If your credit card number is stolen and used fraudulently, you could be held liable for the charges.
- Identity theft: Cybercriminals can use stolen credit card numbers to steal your identity and open accounts in your name.
- Legal consequences: Using stolen credit card numbers is illegal and can lead to criminal charges.
Their cash registers were Windows computers running a credit card processing software. These computers had the same Kameo malware that the detective found on the Schlotzsky’s Deli computers. They’re often one page with a predictable set of fields, unlike a retailer’s multi-step payment process. Bots are programmed to read the fields on the page and quickly submit thousands of transaction attempts with stolen payment information – almost instantly. These transactions are usually in small denominations of $1, $2, or $5 – which isn’t quickly detected by the organization because nonprofits often receive many small donations on their pages. The individual whose credit card was stolen may fail to report the activity because a donation of $5 to a nonprofit on their statement doesn’t likely stand out.
Nord didn’t go to a Tor server and download a bunch of illegal databases full of credit card numbers (we’re taking it on faith). But it did partner with some unnamed cybersecurity researchers who were evaluating these databases—one in particular had obtained 4.5 million credit card records. Nord then calculated a risk index for every country in the world, mapped above. The closer your country is to a 1 on the index, the more likely your card is to be available already on the Dark Web.
How to protect yourself from stolen credit card numbers
- Monitor your accounts: Regularly check your credit card statements for any unauthorized charges.
- Use secure payment methods: Only use reputable websites and payment processors when making online purchases.
- Enable two-factor authentication: Add an extra layer of security to your accounts with two-factor authentication.
Illegal Markets
The study did not determine the exact number or analyze the entirety of payment card details sold on the whole of the dark web — NordVPN only examined the set of statistical data provided by independent researchers. The dark web is brimming with stolen credit card numbers and email passwords, and while these may be invaluable to you, in actuality these are sold for chump change. A single credit card with complete information can be sold for as little as $6 to $30.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my credit card number is stolen?
If you suspect that your credit card number has been stolen, contact your credit card issuer immediately to report the fraud and request a new card.
Can I get my money back if my credit card number is stolen?
It requires specialized skills and software, so you’ll probably need professional help. Using MFA helps ensure that even if someone has found your usernames and passwords on the dark web, they won’t be able to access your accounts. Norton reports there have been 4 billion records breached so far in 2019.
Most credit card companies offer fraud protection that covers unauthorized charges. Contact your credit card issuer for more information on their specific policies.
By staying vigilant and taking proactive measures to protect your financial information, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to credit card fraud on the dark web. Remember, prevention is always better than cure when it comes to safeguarding your sensitive data.
