The dark web is a notorious part of the internet where illegal activities, such as the sale of stolen credit card numbers, take place. Cybercriminals use various techniques to steal credit card information, including phishing scams, data breaches, and card skimming. Once they have obtained this information, they sell it on the dark web to other criminals who use it for fraudulent purchases, identity theft, and other forms of financial crime.
The Dark Web: An Overview
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines and is only accessible through specialized software, such as the Tor browser. It is often associated with illegal activities, such as the sale of drugs, weapons, and stolen credit card numbers. The anonymity provided by the Tor network makes it an attractive platform for cybercriminals to conduct their illicit activities.
How Credit Card Numbers are Stolen
Phishing Scams: Cybercriminals use phishing emails and text messages to trick people into providing their credit card information. These messages often appear to be from legitimate organizations, such as banks or retailers, and may contain links to fake websites that look identical to the real ones.
Physical Theft
Data Breaches: Cybercriminals hack into databases containing credit card information and steal large quantities of data. These breaches can occur at any organization that stores credit card information, including retailers, banks, and hotels.
This closure is the latest of a series of retirements in the field of illicit dark web marketplaces. In October 2021, White House Market – the largest darknet market of its kind – announced that it would shut down. Additionally, in early January 2022, Monopoly Market became inaccessible in a possible exit scam. Cybercriminals can easily intercept your internet traffic on public WiFi without a VPN. It is recommended to use a VPN always when using a public WiFi network to ensure your online privacy and security. As data breaches become more common, and scammers grow more sophisticated, this is a reality many people are having to contend with.
Social & Other Feeds
Card Skimming: Cybercriminals install skimming devices on ATMs and payment terminals to capture credit card information. These devices are often difficult to detect and can capture information from hundreds of cards before being discovered.
The Sale of Stolen Credit Card Numbers
Use Strong Passwords And Enable MFA For All Your Accounts
Making payments online is faster, safer, and easier with Privacy Virtual Cards because of the straightforward interface and multi-platform accessibility. According to Security.org’s 2021 Credit Card Fraud Report, users with enabled alerts were more successful in preventing money loss than those without. Unauthorized charges were not blocked for 81% of users who didn’t have the alerts turned on.
Once cybercriminals have obtained credit card information, they sell it on the dark web to other criminals. The prices for stolen credit card numbers vary depending on factors such as the card’s credit limit, the amount of information available, and the card’s country of origin.
- Spyware and malware attacks are another common tactic used by scammers to steal data, and they are typically a result of phishing schemes.
- This takes snapshots of the computer over time to allow the user to restore to an older version.
- Effectively responding to cyber threats is all about speed and information.
- The hackers are from the same group who are behind the Tokopedia data breach, in which 91 million user records were compromised and kept on sale on the hacking forums for $5,000.
Buyers of stolen credit card numbers can use them for a variety of fraudulent activities, including making purchases online or in physical stores, creating fake identities, and applying for loans or credit cards. These activities can result in significant financial losses for both individuals and businesses.
Protecting Your Credit Card Information
There are several steps you can take to protect your credit card information and reduce the risk of becoming a victim of credit card fraud:
- Use a credit card instead of a debit card for online purchases.
- Monitor your credit card statements regularly for suspicious activity.
- Use strong, unique passwords for all online accounts.
- Avoid clicking on links in emails or text messages from unknown sources.
- Install antivirus software on your devices and keep it up to date.
- Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi networks.
A virtual card is a payment method you can use for online and over-the-phone purchases without revealing your actual card/account data to the merchant. The card contains a randomly generated 16-digit number with an expiration date and CVV. While the virtual card is tied to your real account, the merchant or a potential hacker can’t access your actual bank details. If the security on the website becomes compromised, the hacker only has access to the virtual card, helping you protect your actual financial data from being stolen or misused. A large amount of personal data leaked in breaches ends up for sale on the Dark Web. Criminals buy bin lists of stolen cards on the dark web so they can take over multiple accounts, use the accounts’ saved credit cards or create new ones and build them up, and sell those accounts.
By taking these precautions, you can reduce the risk of your credit card information being stolen and sold on the dark web.
Conclusion
The dark web is a breeding ground for cybercriminals who sell stolen credit card numbers and engage in other forms of financial crime. By understanding how credit card information is stolen and sold, you can take steps to protect yourself and reduce the risk of becoming a victim of credit card fraud. Remember to monitor your credit card statements regularly, use strong passwords, and be cautious when using public Wi-Fi networks. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy the convenience of credit cards while minimizing the risk of fraud and financial loss.
