How Thieves Can Steal Your Credit Card Data

Technology has its benefits. Not only have IT advances helped people to have a longer lifespan, but if you own a smartphone, you have access to all of the knowledge in the world at your fingertips. It’s safe to say that technology has influenced the way masses of people live their life.

Unfortunately, thieves and crooks have been influenced too. Gone are the days where if you wanted to protect your credit card, you simply didn’t use it in public. Criminals have advanced so much that they can steal your credit card information without physically looking at your card.

You need to learn how to protect yourself from online crooks so you don’t end up closing credit cards.  Read on to learn how thieves can steal your credit card data.

Data Breach

Target made the term “Data breach” famous after their 2013 debacle when customers had their personal information, including credit card numbers, stolen by hackers. Unfortunately, many consumers can’t protect themselves from these thieves. If you are a victim to data breach, I recommend that you monitor your credit card statements like a hawk. You’ll be able to get a fraudulent chargers overturned but you have to be vigilant to catch the false charges quickly after they are posted to your account. There is a bit of good news to this story as many businesses have increased their security to prevent these attacks from happening again. Time will tell if their efforts are beneficial.

Phishing Scams

For thieves, fishing isn’t just a water-based activity — today’s thieves participate in online phishing as well. Online phishers typically send unsolicited emails to the masses requesting personal information or encouraging you to download an attachment. The downloadable attachment is usually spyware that infects your computer with the goal to collect all of your personal information. Phishing scams are very common (if you don’t believe me then check your spam folder) so don’t open emails from people that you don’t know, or even suspicious-looking emails from people you do know, especially if they are asking you to email your personal information.

Unsecured Websites

It’s common to buy items online in today’s society. You don’t have to deal with lines at the store, you can shop from the comfort of your home and you are able to find more than a few good deals. Before you pull out your credit card and buy your next item, make sure the website is secure. Secure websites start off with “https” and typically a padlock emblem will appear in the URL. Unsecured websites have “http” so if you notice that, please know you are vulnerable. Thieves can attack you in a couple of ways: they can either infect your computer with malware or swipe your information straight from the website. That being said, I urge you to only shop on secure websites.

Skimmers

Have you ever been to an ATM that looked a little funny? Maybe the mouth of the ATM was a little big or something look or felt off when you swiped? Chances are you have encountered a skimmer. Skimmers are tools that thieves use to steal your information and force you to cancel a credit card. Anytime you see an ATM that seems off, elect not to use it in the interest of protecting yourself against this potential attack.