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Credit cards are everywhere; not only do most people have one, but many have several. Unfortunately, some individuals are looking to steal your credit card information and use it for their benefit.
A credit card dump is when someone makes an illegal and unauthorized digital copy of a credit card. Credit card dumps have existed for many years. However, they’re becoming increasingly popular and more widely used due to the increase in identity theft, credit card theft, credit card forgeries, and other cybercrimes.
Credit card dumps happen when thieves physically copy your credit card information or hack into company payment databases that contain that information. Skimming is the most common method used to accomplish this. Skimming uses an illegal card reader to save a customer’s credit card information. Someone could place it on a real ATM or a card reader, like the ones you see at a gas station.
Credit card dump attacks have been happening on a larger scale, sometimes affecting millions. Criminals will target a company’s computer database containing credit card data and copy all the information. Once they finish the process, the thieves will often sell that information to buyers on the black market or use it for personal gain.
Nobody wants to be a victim of a credit card dump, but how can you protect yourself? Credit cards typically offer security features like a PIN or security chips to make theft more difficult.
Here are some more easy ways to lower your risk of getting targeted for a credit card dump:
If you believe someone has stolen your credit card information, immediately contact your credit card company. You’ll be able to cancel your card and review any unauthorized charges. Most credit card companies will not charge you for unauthorized purchases as they have a “zero liability” policy.
Once your card is canceled and the statement reviewed, the next step is to go to IdentityTheft.gov. This website, run by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), will help you report and recover from your credit card fraud.
Unfortunately, credit card dumps are becoming a common occurrence. However, with knowledge tucked into your back pocket, there are ways to help secure your purchases so you won’t become a victim.