How do cybercriminals steal credit card information?

6 common ways credit card information is stolen

Hackers can steal credit and debit card information in a variety of ways, using both online and offline methods.

1. Phishing

Can a website steal your credit card info? The short answer is yes.

With phishing, hackers attempt to steal valuable information by impersonating a trusted source. There are several different forms of phishing schemes, including the use of fake phone calls, websites and sales emails.

For example, someone pretending to be from your issuing bank or credit card company calls and says they need to verify your recent credit card activity with some personal information and starts off by asking for your credit card number. Similarly, a phishing email sent by an attacker posing as a retailer that offers you a discount or free items could be trying to trick you into giving up payment card account details.

How to prevent: The best way to prevent phishing scams -- whether via email, phone or text -- is to never give up any personal or credit card information unless you initiated the contact. Also, go directly to a retailer's website to conduct business to ensure you control all transactions.

2. Malware and spyware

Be careful what you download. Accidentally downloading malware or spyware can enable hackers to access information stored on your computer, including credit card information and other details. For example, a malware attack might use a keylogger that records your keystrokes or browser history and then sends that information to a hacker.

How to prevent: Avoid downloading attachments, unless they come from a trusted source, and be wary of the programs you download and install on any of your devices. Also, use antivirus software that catches malware before it infects your computer.

3. Skimming

Credit card skimming is a popular offline method used by criminals to steal personal information at a point of sale, which can also lead to identity theft. The following are three forms of skimming to be aware of. 

• Card readers at ATMs, gas pumps and other locations can be tampered with to add skimming devices. These phony readers collect and pass on payment information to thieves, who then clone the cards and use them as they see fit.

How to prevent: Inspect outdoor credit card readers for signs they may have been tampered with before using them.

• RFID skimming uses radio frequency identification technology to wirelessly intercept credit, debit and ID information directly from RFID-enabled cards or even from smartphones and tablets. Attackers use devices that support near-field communication to record unencrypted data from the card's RFID chip to steal details such as card numbers, expiration dates and cardholder names.

How to prevent: Make sure your financial institution has adequate safeguards in place, including encryption.

• Shoulder surfing is a form of skimming that doesn't involve specialized technology. A thief simply watches a user enter their code into an ATM or credit card information into a phone. This can be done nearby (over the shoulder) or far away, e.g., through binoculars.

How to prevent: Shield keypads with paperwork, your body or by cupping your hand.

4. Data breaches

Unfortunately, high-profile data breaches -- the ones we hear about -- have become fairly common in recent years. And with the amount of data stored online, it represents another avenue for hackers to steal credit card, financial and other kinds of personal information. According to Verizon's "2023 Data Breach Investigations Report," personal data was taken in more than 50% of 5,010 confirmed breaches that occurred from November 2021 through October 2022. Attackers made off with payment data in about 5% of the breaches, the report said.

How to prevent: One way to mitigate the possibility of becoming a victim of a data breach is to use a virtual credit card that enables you to check out at e-commerce stores without including your credit card information. If you become a victim, steps you should take include freezing your credit, placing a fraud alert on it and replacing the card affected by the breach. Also, obtain a copy of your credit report and be extra vigilant of suspicious credit card activity.

5. Public Wi-Fi networks

Unsecured public Wi-Fi networks carry some danger if you enter sensitive information when connected to them. While airport or hotel Wi-Fi can be convenient, precautions should be taken to protect against losing credit card data and other sensitive information. Furthermore, should a "Free Public Wi-Fi" entry show up on your device, it might actually be a hacker on a nearby smartphone or laptop attempting to get unsuspecting users to sign on in order to steal their personal information.

How to prevent: Don't conduct sensitive business while connected to public networks. If you need to access these networks, use a VPN. Otherwise, stick to trusted and authenticated access points and service set identifiers or use your wireless cellular data connection.

6. Your trash

While it may seem old-fashioned, criminals can dig through your garbage to find credit card statements, account information and more that they can use to their advantage.

How to prevent: Opt to receive credit card statements via email. If you do receive paper statements in any form, shred them after you no longer need them.

Best practices to protect credit card data

Cybercriminals can choose from an assortment of methods to get your credit card. Here are some tips to prevent that from happening.

1. Monitor credit reports

Credit monitoring and identity security services such as LifeLock keep you up to date on your credit card activity. They can also help get you ahead of any fraudulent activity faster than if you were manually checking your statements.

2. Monitor bank accounts and review credit card statements for suspicious activity

Checking credit statements manually and monitoring Equifax, Experian or TransUnion for purchases you don't remember making can alert you to strange transactions and suspicious activity.

3. Set up alerts to notify you of any suspicious activity

Alerts from your bank via text, push notifications and/or email can help you identify suspicious transactions soon after they've happened.

4. Use antivirus software and VPNs

If you're connecting to any public networks, it's helpful to use a VPN to protect yourself from malware and hackers. Not to mention, antivirus software can protect you if you accidentally download harmful malware.

5. Check websites for a secure URL

When visiting any website, but especially when conducting online transactions, ensure the URL includes https:// and is secure.

6. Don't save credit card information on websites

It can be tempting to save your credit card information on Google or at e-commerce sites you frequent. However, you should consider avoiding this practice, as it potentially provides hackers with access to your personal information in the case of a data breach.

7. Use strong passwords and multifactor authentication

Another way to avoid being the victim after a data breach is to use strong passwords that contain a mix of letters, numbers and symbols. In addition, multifactor authentication can provide an added layer of security to protect you. Consider using it when offered. The same goes for newer passwordless authentication methods based on biometrics or the FIDO protocols.

8. Don't write down your credit card information anywhere

Finally, avoid writing your credit card number, PIN, expiration data, etc., anywhere or posting pictures of your credit card number online.

What to do if your credit card information is stolen?

Following the best practices in this article will help keep your credit card information away from danger. Nothing is foolproof, however, and you need to take action if your information is stolen.

Here's what you should do.

1. Contact your credit card issuer

Calling your bank or credit card company is the first step you should take if you suspect your card has been stolen or compromised. This can prevent any further damage from occurring and help you avoid liability for fraudulent purchases. Your credit card issuer will cancel your card and issue a new one.

2. Update your passwords

Between data breaches, malware and public Wi-Fi networks, hackers can use several online methods to steal your credit card and personal information. Updating your passwords on any websites you regularly visit can prevent them from gaining access to this data.

3. Review and dispute credit reports

Even after you cancel your compromised credit card and get a new one, some fraudulent transactions you're not immediately aware of could show up on your statements. Continue to monitor them so you can dispute any transactions that look suspicious.

Credit cards are a common target for cybercriminals, and that's not going to change anytime soon, if ever. Being aware of the methods they use to steal personal information -- credit card data, in particular, but also other details that can lead to fraudulent transactions, identity theft and more -- is the first step toward protecting yourself. Implement the best practices in this article to keep your credit card information safe and take a more active role in preventing yourself from becoming a victim of fraud.