Thieves can obtain your card number, expiry date, and security code using different techniques. They can use skimming devices placed on ATMs or point-of-sale payment terminals or phishing scams where they trick you into revealing your card details or hacking into databases that store card information.
Skimming. Identity thieves can retrieve account data from your card's magnetic strip using a device called a skimmer, which they can stash in ATMs and store card readers. They can then use that data to produce counterfeit cards. EMV chip cards, which are replacing magnetic strip cards, can reduce this risk.
Fraudsters can get ahold of your card details in a few different ways—one of them being through an ATM card skimming device. Nefarious parties can also gain access to old bank statements or debit cards, or direct you to make a payment on a fraudulent website that collects your details.
Phishing Emails and Calls
Or you may receive a call about an “emergency” requiring proof of identity. These types of messages trick the unknowing into providing names, dates of birth, credit card numbers and other personal information.
Malware and spyware
Accidentally downloading malware or spyware can enable hackers to access information stored on your computer, including credit card information and other details. Malware may include a keylogger that records your keystrokes or browser history and then sends that information to a hacker.
Skimming — Skimming is when criminals install illegal devices at ATMs, gas pumps and other point-of-sale terminals that record debit card numbers and PINs. Spoofing and phishing — These are practices where thieves imitate a trusted source, such as a family member or company, with fake emails or websites.
PINless debit card fraudulent transactions can occur if your card gets stolen or someone copies your credit card details. Although a thief can't withdraw cash or get cashback at a store without the pin, they can still go on a shopping spree with it.
Report a suspicious charge or debit immediately
Even if you're not sure that PIN information was taken, consider changing your PIN just to be on the safe side. If your physical credit card has not been lost or stolen, you're not responsible for unauthorized charges.
One of the simplest and most direct methods of card theft is phishing. The hacker simply calls your business, pretending to be from your bank, and tricks you into giving away your financial data.
There are several ways people steal credit card numbers, including through your mail, email, public Wi-Fi networks, and data breaches. Keep careful watch of your credit card statements, credit report, and personal information so you can act quickly if you see any suspicious activity.
Contact your bank as soon as possible and tell the service representative that somebody has your code. Or if you have your bank's app on your smartphone, check if you can block your card yourself. Check your account for suspicious activity or unauthorized charges. Stay vigilant.
Can You Track Someone Who Used Your Credit Card Online? No. However, if you report the fraud in a timely manner, the bank or card issuer will open an investigation. Banks have a system for investigating credit card fraud, including some standard procedures.
Avoid storing your debit card number or PIN on your device or sending it through email. If someone gets access to your phone, computer or email, they could have all the information they need to take money from your account. Protect your debit card when shopping online.
ATM scams can involve stealing your debit card number or personal identification number. Popular scams that thieves use include using a counterfeit device for access to the door to the ATM and using a false façade on the front of the machine.
Card Lock is a security feature which allows you to block new authorizations on your debit card and/or credit card. If you misplace your card, locking can prevent criminals from using your card, until you need to report the card as Lost/Stolen.
Even if you know exactly where your card is — sitting safely in your wallet on your desk — you may still want to lock it down. That's because card lock also prevents you from making new purchases, and that makes it a helpful anti-spending or budgeting tool.
In general, credit cards offer better fraud protection. If someone skims your credit card information, for example, you have time to dispute the charge before you're liable for the payment and the pending charge may never even post to your account.
If anybody else uses the card, the card user or cardholder faces serious problems. Fraudulent or unauthorised use is obviously a problem. If your card gets used without your permission: Report the problem to your bank/card issuer immediately.
What if someone is using your card? If your debit card was stolen, the speed at which you contact your bank has an impact on how much money you'll be on the hook for. If you notify your bank before any fraudulent charges are made, your liability will be $0. If you notify them within two days of the loss, it's $50.
If someone has used your card in a store or online, you're covered under the Payment Services Regulations. The regulations state you must be refunded immediately if you've had money taken from your account without your permission.
Although banks claim that RFID chips on cards are encrypted to protect information, it's been proven that scanners—either homemade or easily bought—can swipe the cardholder's name and number. (A cell-phone-sized RFID reader powered at 30 dBm (decibels per milliwatt) can pick up card information from 10 feet away.
Under FACTA, electronically printed receipts are only allowed to show at most the last five digits of a credit or debit card number. Additionally, these receipts are not allowed to show any information about a card's expiration date.
Card details – card number, card holder name, date of birth and address - are stolen, often from online databases or through email scams, then sold and used on the internet, or over the phone. This is often called 'card-not-present' fraud.