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Stolen Credit Card Numbers

Last Updated: January 15, 2025
5 min read

Table of contents

Key Points:

  1. Thieves can steal credit card numbers through the mail, email, public Wi Fi networks, and data breaches.

  2. Review your credit card statements, credit report, and personal information so you can act quickly if you see anything suspicious.

  3. If someone steals your card or credit card details, immediately alert your credit card issuer.

If someone steals your credit card number, it can be a disturbing experience. But, if you understand the tools that thieves might use to access your personal data, it could help you keep your information safe. Here’s how people steal credit card numbers and what you can do to protect your card.

How do credit card numbers get stolen?

Personal documents

While protecting yourself online is vital, you should also protect yourself from old-fashioned hazards like financial paperwork. Someone could take sensitive documents like a bill, bank statement, or credit card statement from your mailbox or even your trash. Shredding paper before taking to the trash can help protect you from identity theft and fraud by blocking access to your:

  • Account number (even the last four digits can be used by thieves)
  • Social Security number
  • Full name and address
  • Transaction information

Phishing

Phishing emails and phone calls are common tactics that trick people into sharing sensitive personal and financial information. The caller or sender will try to convince victims to either offer up that information directly or click a bad link that installs malware on their computers.

 

If someone calls or emails you claiming to be a financial institution requesting personal information urgently, it’s unlikely to be legitimate. Most financial institutions never ask you to send your information via email or phone.

Keep an eye out for generic email addresses that have misspellings, or otherwise don’t appear to come from your financial service provider. Likewise, always confirm the phone number if a financial institution calls you. Unaffiliated email addresses and phone numbers often point to phishing.

Malware

Malware is a type of phishing software designed to take your information, access your network, or otherwise disrupt use of a device. Be careful what you click on, as cybercriminals trick users into installing malware themselves by getting you to click on an unsafe link.

 

One type of malware records every keystroke, including your credit card number, as you type it into an order form. Don’t download anything on your computer unless you have validated or otherwise trust where it’s coming from.

Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi may be convenient, but it can open you up to the possibility of fraud. Public networks are unsecured, which leaves your information vulnerable to many security breaches. If someone breaches the Wi-Fi network, your device can be vulnerable too.

 

How to stay safe on public Wi‑Fi? Don’t open sensitive documents or financial websites on public networks—hackers can use these networks to access your account numbers and passwords.

Card skimmers

According to the FBI, card skimmers are devices that thieves attach to ATMs or payment terminals to capture the digital information on your card. The perpetrator may use that information to create fake debit or credit cards or access your data.

Data breaches

A data breach occurs when an unauthorized person accesses sensitive or protected data from a business. Often, hackers access customer or client data from large institutions such as banks or retailers. They might sell information like credit card numbers, names, passwords, and Social Security numbers. Alternatively, they might use it themselves to commit fraud or identity theft.

What you can do to help protect your credit card information from being stolen

A few extra security measures could make your credit card numbers less vulnerable. To protect your documents, make sure you shred (or rip up) sensitive paperwork before throwing it away, and consider locking your mailbox. Take caution when interacting with your emails, especially when opening documents or clicking links. Take some extra time to find an indoor, well-lit ATM or check for suspicious devices. Watch the news for data breaches at big companies—they happen more than you might think. Some services may increase your security by alerting you to changes in your credit reports, new bank accounts in your name, and more.

With Discover®, you can get additional protection that alerts you when we find your SSN or any other info you provide on any one of thousands of Dark Web sites we monitor for illegally sharing personal data1 for just $15/mo. You must have a Discover® Card to enroll.

Most credit cards now use chip technology and a magnetic strip, as chips are more difficult to steal credit card info from. However, the switch hasn’t eliminated credit card fraud or identity theft. It’s important to keep your eyes on your credit card statement, credit report, and credit score, so you’ll be aware of any sudden changes that could indicate identity theft.

What to do if your credit card information is stolen

According to the FTC, federal law limits the amount of money you’re liable for in case of a lost or stolen card. However, your protection depends on how quickly you report the missing card.

Many card companies also offer protection for cardmembers and limit their liability for losses. If someone steals your credit card information, make sure to contact your credit card company immediately.

Did you know?

If you’re a Discover® Cardmember, you’re covered under the $0 Fraud Liability Guarantee. That means you’re never held responsible for unauthorized purchases on your Discover Card.2

The FTC recommends that consumers also let the three major credit reporting agencies know about a stolen card or other fraud. Then, they should file an initial fraud alert on their credit files. The FTC has published a detailed consumer-friendly guide to handling many forms of identity theft and fraud.

Millions of American consumers have had their credit card numbers stolen. Stay alert to the possibility that it could happen to you, even after taking every precaution. Having a plan to take action quickly may limit your losses and help you regain control.

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  1. Identity Theft Protection: Identity Theft Insurance is underwritten by insurance company subsidiaries or affiliates of American International Group, Inc. (AIG). The description herein is a summary and intended for informational purposes only and does not include all terms, conditions and exclusions of the policies described. Please refer to the actual policies for terms, conditions, and exclusions of coverage. Coverage may not be available in all jurisdictions. Review the Summary of Benefits: NY Onlyopens modal dialog or All Other Statesopens modal dialog.

    This product can only be agreed upon, purchased and delivered online. It is optional and voluntary. Full Terms and Conditionsopens modal dialog
  2. $0 Fraud Liability: An “unauthorized purchase” is a purchase where you have not given access to your card information to another person or a merchant for one-time or repeated charges. Please use reasonable care to protect your card and do not share it with employees, relatives, or friends. Learn more at Discover.com/fraudFAQ.

  • Legal Disclaimer: This site is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional advice. The material on this site is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and does not indicate the availability of any Discover product or service. It does not guarantee that Discover offers or endorses a product or service. For specific advice about your unique circumstances, you may wish to consult a qualified professional.