In the modern world, there are many schemes used by fraudsters to deceive internet users. Over the years, card fraud has been gaining momentum.
The most popular methods are based on psychology: criminals persuade or intimidate a person. According to studies, it is known that last year, scammers "profited" from ordinary citizens by approximately 15.8 billion rubles.
To protect your accounts, you need to know how fraudsters steal money from cards.
Bank Card Fraud Methods
Phishing is an internet scam that involves stealing card's secret data. It is spread through email distribution on behalf of banking institutions, social networks, or popular brand stores. In such messages, attackers place a link that must be followed (it might be a notification of a win or bonuses).
After opening such a link, the user will be required to provide basic card details: number, three digits on the back, expiration date (in some cases, they even ask for the PIN code).
Vishing or telephone fraud. In this case, fraudsters act through calls. It is based on social engineering – when scammers impersonate a specific company: a bank, a government institution, a service provider.
Two of the most well-known types of vishing are distinguished: the company pretends to be technical support or sends automatic messages via voicemail by criminals.
Carding is another type of card fraud. Hackers, using a payment card or its details, perform various operations on the Internet. At the same time, the owner did not give consent. Attackers hack a website where a person made an online purchase and steal card data from it. Carders are people engaged in carding. They eventually sell the stolen information in the darknet or on specialized services where carders operate. Also, scammers may simply take and cash out the funds that were on the card account.
What is Card Skimming and How to Detect It
Card skimming is a method of deceiving people in which card data is read by a special device installed on an ATM or terminal.
As a rule, the money theft process under this scheme involves just a couple of steps:
- Fraudsters install a device on the ATM – a skimmer, which is attached to its front panel. In this case, the skimmer device replaces the card reader. It's not easy to distinguish a skimmer from the original ATM element. Therefore, a person inserts the card without any suspicion;
- The second step – fraudsters obtain the card's PIN code. This is done in two ways: using hidden cameras or special overlays on the keys, with which the PIN code is entered.
Immediately after obtaining the card's data theft, the attackers make a copy and use it for personal purposes: for example, withdraw cash or make online purchases.
If it happens that you need to withdraw money urgently and there is only one ATM on the way, be careful. It is recommended to first carefully inspect the device for additional overlays on the slots where the card is inserted, fake panels, an embedded keyboard (if it is a different color than the ATM or wobbles, then you should doubt the reliability of withdrawing money at this location).
Methods of Protection Against Bank Card Fraud
The first most reliable way is to store the PIN code in a safe place. When entering it at an ATM or terminal, be sure to cover the keyboard with your hand.
Connecting the service of receiving messages on the phone about card transactions is another way to protect against illegal actions by fraudsters. All SMS about transactions conducted should be carefully studied. If a message about a financial transaction that was not made is received, it means the bank card was used by fraudsters. In such a case, the card should be blocked immediately.
Always use antivirus programs on devices where online banking is installed: smartphone, tablet, laptop, or personal computer. This will help protect against malicious programs and websites used by fraudsters.
Also, it is recommended to use only verified and secure sites for online shopping.
Secure Card Payments
First of all, this concerns paying for goods or services online. It is worth using reliable sites. Stores of well-known brands, as well as those services that have positive recommendations (for example, from acquaintances).
Never save card details used for online payments in browsers. It is better to manually enter the payment information several times than to use the autofill function.
Also, for secure card payments, you should:
- timely update the antivirus program and operating system;
- set a limit on online payments;
- always study the public offer and purchase terms.
In addition, the best option would be to open a special virtual card that will be used exclusively for online payments.
If it happens that a person falls victim to card fraud, the card must be blocked immediately, call the bank and report the illegal actions, write a statement to the police, collect the maximum amount of evidence, consult with lawyers.
It is recommended to take the protection of bank card data seriously. Always check websites where payment is planned. It is also advised to withdraw money from ATMs located in "busy" places. Since in less crowded areas, it is easier for fraudsters to install a skimmer.
Protect your cards and never disclose their details to third parties who might use them for fraudulent purposes.