With the vast use of the internet in all fields, data breaching has become common and the banking sector is not an exception. On the one hand, where Internet banking has made money transactions straightforward, leaked credit cards with a balance are very common. Unfortunately, most of us get to know about credit card leaks when our financial institutions notify us.
So, the main question here is how credit cards leak and is there any way to find out this and resultantly protect your sensitive data? Well, let us understand all this here:
What is a Credit Card Leak?
A leaked credit card with a balance is a credit card that has been compromised and the details of this card are known to other people. This means the hackers make the online purchase with a leaked credit card without paying.
Read more: How Credit Card Hackers Hack Credit Cards
How Credit Cards Are Commonly Leaked/ Hacked?
Any security issue on the bank’s website or in another database where your personal information or credit card details are saved can easily expose your details to the world. As soon as this happens, you very easily become the victim of your personal data leak. This information is most of the time sold on the dark web.
Here are a few methods through which credit cards can get leaked:
1. Through Phishing Emails
The main motto of phishing emails is to attract users to click malicious links or download malicious attachments. These links may seem familiar but can ask the users to provide account details. Beware of such emails.
2. Using Public Wi-Fi Network
It feels nice to use public wifi when sitting at the airport and having a coffee, but this involves a lot of risks. Public networks are some of the main sources to punch into your details. Using such networks can easily cause you loss. If you have to use public wifi often, install VPN on your device. This is one of the tips to protect leaked credit cards with money.
3. Skimming
Skimming is a method to steal your credit card number when you are making a transaction and then use this to create a counterfeit card or make online transactions that do not require a physical credit card. Sometimes credit card skimmers are also used to steal details of the card.
4. Falling the Pray of Insider Attack
An insider attack is a method of leaking critical information like your credit card details through some privileged user such as an admin of an organization. Even though banks and other financial institutions with critical data of the employees follow various safety measures to avoid this, anyone with access to such databases can temper the customer details, if they want to. Even though insider attack is very rare but there is a possibility of credit card leak.
5. Data Breaches
Big financial institutions like banks or retail businesses may fall prey to data breaches which can put their users at data breach.
6. Formjacking
In form jacking, the attackers collect the credit card data before it gets into a secure environment. Here, the attackers use a script injection method for collecting the data while the user is entering it into the bank’s or other financial institution’s website.
How Do You Know Your Credit Card Details Are Leaked?
Here are a few signs through which you can get to know whether your credit card details are leaked.
1. You Find Out Strange Purchases from Your Account
When you find out strange purchases through your account, it is a red flag that something is fishy. Leaked credit cards with a billing address can happen to anyone so beware of such strange purchases.
2. You See Small Changes Applied to Your Credit Card
Generally, thieves or credit card hackers start by making small purchases from your credit card. Therefore, it is necessary to check your transaction statements from time to time. If you find any such activity on your card, then this means your card is hacked, and stop that card immediately.
3. There is a Lower Available Credit Balance
If you find unexplained credit charges showing a diminished credit line then this hints that your credit card is leaked. If you have not purchased any expensive item with your credit card, then you must start investigating this issue.
Read more: Hacked Credit Card with Balance
How You Can Protect Leaked Credit Card with Balance?
Here we are giving some tips to protect leaked credit cards with a balance of 2022 USA:
1. Make Online Payments on Secure Websites Only
Make sure that you do not provide your personal information like credit card details on an insecure website. Try to make online payments through secure websites. The URLs starting with HTTPS and having tiny padlock signs are considered secure and safe.
2. Never Give Your Account Number to Any Stranger Over the Phone
Do not give your account number over the phone unless you know the caller is legit. Be cautious of random calls where the callers ask you for your account number or credit card number. The bottom line is to never share your bank account details or details related to your credit cards over the phone.
3. Check Your Credit Card Statement Regularly
Checking bank statements regularly is one of the best ways to get to know about a leaked credit card with a balance. Check your credit card statement at least once a month and make this a habit or rule. If you notice any suspicious charges or transactions inform your bank or financial institution immediately.
4. Be Extra Alert While Making In-Person Transactions
While making physical transactions with your credit card be extra cautious and make sure that the employee of the retail store or restaurant does not walk away with your card. These people may write down your credit card number, security code, and expiration date once they are out of your reach.
Summing It Up!
Leaked credit card money is one of the common issues in the US. One of the best ways for limiting the damage to your credit card is to stay alert and be proactive. Follow the safety measures mentioned above and your card without any issues. Being extra cautious not only saves you for the present but also safeguards your money for the future.
