Quote:
Originally Posted by legion
There are three ways that credit card information gets stolen:
1) From the card. Think skimmers.
2) By capturing a transaction in progress. I don't know that I've heard of this, but it is possible in theory.
3) By hacking a database of CC info. Think Target. Or Home Depot.
Any of the three source can end up being resold online to someone that creates a clone card or just tries to use your info for an online purchase.
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This^^, especially #3, is responsible for a lot of the comments in this thread, IMO. Those of you who keep your cards secure, rarely use them, and suddenly find charges made in far off places are likely the victims of hacked data bases. That information is "sold" on the dark net and sometimes doesn't appear until months/years later. Who knows where an on-line merchant stores your CC data and whether or not the server has been compromised? Let's not forget that Anthem Blue Cross, a huge insurer, was hacked and personal data was stolen. When is that shoe going to drop?
Best we all do what is being done. Stay vigilant, monitor your accounts, keep your cards secure, and expect someone will try to use your account information sometime soon.