Credit Card Numbers Dark Web

Posted by seomypassion12 on February 27th, 2023

If you’ve ever looked into the dark web Onion links for anything, you’ve probably come across sites that sell stolen credit card numbers. This is called the credit card numbers dark web, and it’s a growing threat to consumers everywhere.

The dark web is where criminals sell stolen credit card data and other personal information to other hackers. These data dumps can be used for identity fraud and account takeovers.
How it works

Buying stolen credit card information from the dark web can be an incredibly lucrative business. The price of a card can range from 30 cents to USD per number, and many dark web marketplaces are in possession of millions of numbers at any given time, says Gemini Advisory’s Tom Thomas.

There are a few ways cybercriminals obtain their target’s credit card data, including by hacking into websites and breaches at physical stores. Some cybercriminals also use malicious software purchased online, which can infiltrate databases and remain undetected for months or years.

Once the hackers have the credit card number, they can resell it or use it to purchase goods and services with other people’s bank accounts. This method is known as identity theft and account takeovers.

A large number of stolen cards can be found on the dark web, according to a recent report by cybersecurity firm Cybersixgill. In the first half of 2022, more than 4.5 million stolen credit cards were up for sale on underground markets.

The majority of those cards were issued by the four major credit card networks: Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. Some of them even included the CVV, or card verification code, which is the number on the back of your card that tells banks and retailers that your card is valid.

These types of stolen cards can be sold on the dark web for a relatively low price, as long as they’re still valid and aren’t blocked by banks. This is especially true for cards with a Verified by Visa (VbV) feature, which prompts the cardholder for a one-time password when they make a purchase at participating stores.

Most of these cards can be bought at a cheap price, but some are much more valuable. These are cards with added personal information attached, such as a person’s mother’s maiden name or date of birth.

Some of the sites that sell card data on the dark web even offer a money-back guarantee on some of their products, if the cards aren’t working anymore. They may also have a “checker service” that uses a compromised merchant account to test the cards.
Why it’s dangerous

Credit card numbers are just one type of personal data that is widely available for sale on the dark web. Other types of personal information, like passwords, physical addresses, and social security numbers are also commonly found on the dark web and can be used by malicious actors to commit fraud or damage your reputation in other ways.

When hackers steal personal data, they often sell it on the dark web for a profit. This can be a serious problem because it can affect your ability to shop on the web or access certain services.

The dark web is a part of the Internet that is not indexed by search engines, and requires an anonymizing browser, called Tor, to access. This helps keep your IP address hidden from cybercriminals and other bad actors who want to do you harm.

In addition, the dark web is a place where you can find illegal and potentially dangerous content. For example, you might see snuff films, child pornography, and even hitmen for hire. Stumbling upon this kind of content could make you a target for law enforcement, who are looking to crack down on crime and protect the public.

Another danger to be aware of is the rise in the number of cyberattacks originating on the dark web. For example, ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) kits have been gaining popularity on the dark web and are becoming a significant threat to businesses and consumers.

These attackers are using their skills to hack into a business’s website and steal account details, including credit card data. They then use those accounts to commit fraud and damage a company’s reputation.

To avoid being a victim of these scams, you should regularly check your credit reports with the three major credit bureaus. This will help you identify potential problems early on so you can take steps to fix them before they become too costly or damaging.

You should also ensure your computer is protected by a powerful antivirus and identity monitoring program. These programs can detect malware and block it from stealing your information before it gets to the dark web. It will also help you protect against other threats, including online fraud and identity theft.
How to protect yourself

Credit card numbers are one of the most commonly stolen items from the dark web. Whether it’s an opportunistic thief stealing your information for fun or you’ve been victim of a data breach, there are a few steps that you can take to protect yourself from crooks who access your credit cards and account details from the dark web.

The first step is to know how this type of scam works. Criminals can buy lists of credit card details on the dark web and sell them for profit. The information includes card numbers, expiration dates and security codes. They can then use your credit card to make purchases or purchase goods for themselves, using a variety of methods.

These include phishing, smishing and vishing scams. Phishing involves sending a phony email or message to you from an unreliable source and tricking you into sharing your personal information. You could also get a phone call from a person who poses as a legitimate business, telling you about an issue and asking you to share your credit card details.

Alternatively, you can use a service like ID Monitoring that keeps an eye on your personal information across a range of Internet sites. If it detects that your personal information has been exposed on the dark web, it will alert you and provide recommendations for actions you can take to help protect your identity.

Another way to stay protected is to be cautious when using public WiFi. Hackers can use keyloggers to capture your passwords and other personal information when you’re on these networks. It’s best to avoid using public WiFi as much as possible, and if you do need it for important transactions, make sure your device has up-to-date security software installed.

It’s also a good idea to keep your systems and applications updated, such as Tor and anti-malware programs. Keeping these up to date will help you prevent attacks from rogue websites or malware.

If you’re concerned about your personal information on the dark web, sign up for a monitoring service that can keep an eye on it. These services can be used to alert you to any changes in your identity or to a new account that’s being opened in your name. They can also help you report any suspicious activity that might lead to a data breach.
What to do if you’re a victim

Credit card numbers are among the most valuable assets cyber criminals can buy on the dark web. Stolen data is often sold for a nominal fee, with payment usually made via cryptocurrency to maintain its anonymity.

The dark web is a web of encrypted and shared content that isn’t indexed by search engines. This means it’s difficult for law enforcement and security companies to find.

Criminals use stolen credit card information to make fraudulent purchases online or buy illegal goods. They also sell the data on the dark web, where it’s available to anyone with the money to pay for it.

If you suspect that your personal information has been stolen, you need to act fast. Taking action can help protect you from identity theft and help get your credit score back on track.

Start by checking your monthly statements for suspicious activity. Look for unusual charges or purchases you didn’t make and contact your financial services company right away.

You can also ask your bank or credit card issuer to send you alerts about unusual activity on your account. This will keep you from being surprised by unauthorized transactions or fraudulent purchases.

Consider changing any PINs, passwords or other security information that may have been compromised in the breach. These should be complex, unique and difficult to guess.

If you receive an email that reveals your personal information has been stolen, report it immediately. It can help prevent further financial losses from identity theft, and could even result in you being able to get a replacement Social Security card, passport or credit cards.

It’s also a good idea to set up multi-factor authentication (MFA) for your accounts to add a layer of protection. This requires you to provide more than just a password when you log in to your credit card account.

Then, monitor your three credit reports -- one each maintained by Experian, Equifax and TransUnion — for any new accounts that were opened in your name. This will prevent fraudsters from opening more credit or taking out additional loans in your name.