The Dark Web and Stolen Credit Card Numbers
Or even last month’s admission by Yahoo that a half billion customer e-mail accounts were hacked? The dark web is where such data ends up and sold to the highest bidder. And a growing number of companies, like OWL, are finding new ways to gather intelligence on dark web to prevent future cyber mayhem. The Home Depot data breach uncovered last week may be one of the largest cases of mass credit-card compromise ever. The number of cards stolen from Home Depot is not known, but might exceed the Target total. Most of use just have the standard personal account, but Premier and Business accounts also exist, and are up for sale on the dark web.
The Secret Service contacted Detective Dunn, the agent who investigated that Schlotzsky’s Deli hack and gave him a forensic image of the PC to see if he could make any connections between the two cases. Detective Dunn examined the PC and found credit cards were bought from two different websites, Bulba.cc and Track2.name. The detective then started looking at these two carding websites, Bulba.cc and Track2.name. First of all, they look identical except for two different background colors. Then in 2005 nCux switched to selling more profitable stuff; credit card dumps. It’s unclear how they found this but they discovered his name was Roman Seleznev and he was living in Vladivostok, Russia.
As of the morning on February 6, a relatively modest 16 cards were reported to have been sold. However, in an update to The Daily Swig on the morning of February 10, Group-IB researchers said this figure had grown to 487. All the cards from the database are being sold for $9 each, representing a collective black-market value of $4.16 million. The Daily Swig asked CERT-In to comment on what action is has taken, which might include notifying affected banks, to mitigate potential fraud arising from the illegal underground sale. The vast majority (98% of the records) came from Indian banks, Group-IB said in its threat report. The Dark Web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by regular search engines and can only be accessed using specialized software.
A fraudster could buy access to a hacked computer and then use it as a proxy for attempting crimes. Fraudsters could choose a country, city, computer operating system and Internet capacity. The important thing here is that they could even find hacked computers from small towns. When you buy a VPN, you usually only get an IP address from big cities. The ultimate purpose of the GoldPickaxe trojan malware is to defeat the facial recognition access systems now used by some banks to secure mobile logins.
Because credit cards have some form of purchase or fraud insurance from the bank, the theft of debit card details is more devastating to the victims. Involving yourself in the purchasing or selling of stolen credit cards is a risky business. It’s also pertinent to note that stolen credit cards have various types based on their value and risk.
Depending on the virtual card provider, you can customize details like spending limits and even pause/close the card at your convenience. Phishing messages can lead to heavy consequences, such as identity theft. Phishing is a method used by scammers to trick users into trusting them and providing their personal information or account data. Last year’s sale was bigger by volume but offered only the information contained in magnetic stripes of compromised cards.
If a thief can get physically close to you, they can use an RFID reader to steal your credit card information wirelessly by intercepting the signal. In addition, the carding market used another common promotional tactic, offering illicit goods at below-market prices, advertising credit cards for as little as 15 cents. To validate the credit card numbers, the attacker deploys a bot—software that performs automated operations over the internet—to make small purchases on multiple payment sites. Each attempt tests a card number against a merchant’s payment processes to identify valid card details.
The dark web is a hidden part of the internet that requires specific software to access, such as Tor. It is notorious for its illegal activities, including the sale of stolen credit card numbers.
Understanding Stolen Credit Card Numbers
Stolen credit card numbers refer to financial information that has been obtained illegally, often through hacking, phishing, or data breaches. Once obtained, cybercriminals can sell this information on the dark web.
How Stolen Credit Card Numbers Are Obtained
- If they have your physical card, they’ll use it to buy gift cards (a scam known as “carding”) and luxury goods.
- Dating services ranked fifth among all Dark Web threats in Q3, experiencing 6.6% of cases.
- Credit card theft has become one of the most common types of fraud, with the U.S. projected to lose a staggering $165 billion in the coming 10 years due to card abuse.
- Knowing what to do if your information is on the dark web is the first step in protecting yourself from potentially devastating fraud and identity theft.
- The fraudulent credit cards were used to purchase gift cards, flights, hotels stays, and other goods and services.
- Unsuspecting users then re-enter their credit card info to avoid losing their streaming service, only to get hit with a bunch of fraudulent charges a week or two later.
Hackers and fraudsters use various methods to acquire credit card information:
- Phishing: Creating fake websites or emails to elicit sensitive information.
- Data Breaches: Exploiting vulnerabilities in retail or financial institutions to gain access to databases containing credit card numbers.
- Skimming: Using devices to capture card information during transactions.
- Malware: Deploying software that secretly records keystrokes to gather personal and financial data.
Where to Find Stolen Credit Card Numbers on the Dark Web
On the dark web, various marketplaces operate where stolen information is traded. Some ways stolen credit card numbers are marketed include:
- Forums and Marketplaces: Dedicated sections for buying and selling stolen data.
- Private Chats: Encrypted communication platforms where interested buyers negotiate with sellers.
- Advertising Posts: Listings that specify the amount of stolen information available, often highlighted with prices.
Risks of Using Stolen Credit Card Numbers
Engaging in any transaction involving stolen credit card numbers comes with significant risks:
- Legal Consequences: Purchasing or using stolen credit card information is a criminal offense, leading to severe penalties.
- Financial Loss: Victims of credit card fraud often face unexpected charges and financial hardship.
- Identity Theft: Stolen details may lead to larger identity theft cases, impacting victims long-term.
Dark Web Prices For Stolen PayPal Accounts Up, Credit Cards Down: Report
Preventative Measures Against Stolen Credit Card Information
To protect against the theft of credit card numbers:
- Monitor Transactions: Regularly check bank statements and credit reports.
- Use Credit Alerts: Set alerts for unusual activity on your accounts.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Secure accounts with an added layer of protection.
- Limit Sharing Information: Be cautious about sharing your credit card information online.
FAQs About Stolen Credit Card Numbers on the Dark Web
1. How common is the sale of stolen credit card numbers on the dark web?
The trade of stolen credit card numbers on the dark web is a prevalent issue, with numerous marketplaces dedicated to such transactions.
2. Can stolen credit card numbers be traced back to the buyer?
While the dark web provides anonymity, law enforcement agencies have methods to trace transactions and identify individuals involved.
3. What should I do if my credit card information is stolen?
Immediately report the theft to your bank or credit card issuer, monitor your accounts, and consider credit monitoring services.
4. Is it safe to browse the dark web?
Browsing the dark web can be risky. It is recommended to use a VPN and be cautious to avoid any illegal activities.
Conclusion
The sale of stolen credit card numbers on the dark web continues to be a significant concern in cybersecurity. Awareness and preventive measures are essential in protecting oneself from the repercussions of this illicit market.
