How Credit Cards Get Stolen And Abused On The Deep & Dark Web
Understanding Dark Web Credit Cards
The term dark web credit cards refers to credit card information that is sold illegally on the dark web. This segment of the internet is not indexed by traditional search engines and requires specific software to access. The anonymity it provides has made it a hotbed for illicit activities, including the trafficking of stolen credit card information.
In 2016 alone, losses topped $24 billion worldwide, half of which affected cardholders in the US. The drug game is old news for some young hustlers, and credit card fraud (cracking cards) has taken its place. With a virtually unlimited amount of money to be made scamming, some tech-savvy criminals have turned ripping off credit card numbers into a full-time gig. VICE met up with a scammer for an inside look at the shady underground profession. Credit cards, Paypal accounts, and fullz are the most popular types of stolen information traded on the dark web, but they’re far from the only data worth stealing.
It would help if you always were cautious when sharing your credit card information on websites. PureVPN hides your IP address and encrypts your internet traffic, making it difficult for cybercriminals to intercept sensitive data, including credit card information. Some credit cards also include built-in fraud protection, which you can avail of to ensure your financial safety at all times. Public WiFi networks are not secure and, therefore, more accessible for cybercriminals to hack into.
The rise in convenience of credit cards has also lead to a rise in stolen credit card data. As more people turn to this payment method, crybercriminals are taking the opportunity to seize your data and use it for illegal activities. Carders tend to target specific sites that don’t have VBV or other protections against fraud. For fledgling criminals who don’t know how to use stolen credit cards, there are plenty of free and paid tutorials for carding on the dark web.
What are Dark Web Credit Cards?
Often the information on the dark web originated from phishing attacks or malware installed on victims’ devices. Once there, the stolen information is offered on various marketplaces. Login data, for instance, is sold on other platforms than credit card data. In the case of installed malware, it can even happen that the PC is “rented” amongst hackers and the data stored on it is exploited for as long as the malware is running on the device. Over half of the 6 million stolen credit card records analyzed came from the US, most likely due to its high rates of card penetration, sizable population, and strong economy.
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Dark web credit cards typically consist of the following types of information:
This is just another reminder of how important it is to protect the data you collect from your customers at all costs. Consider adding dark web monitoring to your existing security solutions stack. 2W Tech is a technology service provider with IT Consultants on staff that specialize in security solutions. Dark Web ID has been an industry leader for years because they never stop innovating to keep businesses out of credential compromise trouble. Arda is a Senior Crypto Threat Analyst at Elliptic with a focus on crypto-based terrorist financing, dark web vendors, NFTs and DeFi-related crime.
- Some of this data has been gleaned from major breaches, like UC Accellion’s data breach affecting more than 148 million consumers.
- Kim Komando hosts a weekly call-in show where she provides advice about technology gadgets, websites, smartphone apps and internet security.
- There are several types of illegal travel-related services and products you can find in the Darknet.
- Card number
- Expiration date
- CVV
- Name of the cardholder
- Billing address
This information is often obtained through various means, such as data breaches, phishing attacks, or skimming devices placed on ATMs or payment terminals.
How are Dark Web Credit Cards Used?
Individuals who purchase dark web credit cards typically do so with the intent of committing fraud. Here’s how they may use this information:
- Online Purchases: Fraudsters can make online transactions without the need for physical cards.
- Wire Transfers: Some may transfer funds to other accounts, making tracing the original fraud difficult.
- Identity Theft: Using stolen information to create new accounts or identities.
Risks Involved
Involvement with dark web credit cards is highly risky for both the buyer and the victim whose information has been stolen. The consequences may include:
- Legal repercussions: Buying or using stolen credit card information is a crime punishable by law.
- Financial loss: Victims can experience significant financial harm, leading to long-term debt and credit issues.
- Emotional distress: Identity theft can have lasting psychological effects on victims.
FAQs about Dark Web Credit Cards
1. How do I know if my credit card information is on the dark web?
There are services available that can help you check if your information has been compromised. Monitoring your bank statements closely for any unusual transactions is also advisable.
2. Can I recover my stolen credit card information?
If you suspect your credit card information has been stolen, contact your bank immediately to report the issue. They can assist you in freezing your account and mitigating damage.
3. Can law enforcement trace stolen credit cards purchased on the dark web?
While tracing these transactions can be complex due to the anonymity of the dark web, law enforcement agencies have been known to successfully investigate and prosecute cases related to dark web activities.
Conclusion
The world of dark web credit cards is fraught with danger and legal implications. Understanding how this illicit market operates can help individuals protect themselves from becoming victims of fraud. Always ensure you’re taking the necessary precautions to secure your personal and financial information in an increasingly digital world.
