What is credit card fraud?
Credit card fraud refers to a scammer using your credit card number and PIN to commit financial fraud. The transactions happen without the knowledge of the cardholder.
When an individual uses someone else’s credit card information illegally or for uninformed personal spending, it is classified as credit card fraud. Credit card scams fall under identity theft and have become increasingly common nowadays. Scammers use your card details to perform unethical activities and initiate transactions from your account without your knowledge. Such events have led to the need for credit card security.
By securing your card and its related information, you can prevent yourself from falling into the trap of severe financial losses. People must opt for credit card security options that are readily available and accessible to ensure the safety of their transactions and financial statements.
How does one steal credit card information?
There are multiple ways through which one can steal your credit card information:
Skimming: Scammers place a card skimmer, which is a device that is kept on the credit card swiping machine. This device will take in your credit card information when your card is swiped for an actual purchase.
Dumpster diving: When you discard your bills or documents with your full credit card number on them, thieves can retrieve these details and commit fraud.
Hacking: Thieves can hack companies with whom you have had transactions or firms that perform credit card processing activities. They will then engage in data breaching.
Phishing: This includes persuading consumers to provide their sensitive data by tricking them to click on invalid links. Phishing is a form of social engineering in which the perpetrator obtains sensitive information. This includes account credentials, credit card information, and passwords. Emails and text messages originating from unreliable sources constitute phishing.