How credit cards are cloned and how to protect yourself

It is unlikely that there will be anyone who at some point in their life has not had a problem with their credit card, one of the main cases being card cloning.

But, you know how the credit card is cloned and what are the measures to be taken?

If you have ever had a cloned credit card, you certainly know what this situation is like and the problems it causes.

This article will address this topic to help you protect yourself and take the necessary precautions so that this doesn't happen again.

What is a cloned card? 

At first, before knowing how a credit card is cloned, First, find out what a card in this condition is.

A cloned card is a type of scam in which the criminal manages to obtain data from a person's credit card, such as: number, name, expiration date and security code.

Therefore, with this information, it is perfectly possible to clone the credit card and make purchases both in person and online.

It is worth remembering that cloning already existed even when the card did not have a chip, and was just a black magnetic stripe on the back of the card.

In this sense, chips are an additional obstacle to containing data cloning, but even so, criminals always end up finding a way to circumvent the system.

How is a credit card cloned?

What methods do criminals use to clone cards? See some situations:

Phishing

Phishing is a type of scam in which criminals collect information from victims using a type of false bait, such as attractive and tempting promotions.

In short, these amazing promotions take people to links on pages whose idea is to collect customer card details.

Sharing information on social networks

Another way for them to clone the card is by sharing information on social media and messaging apps.

Therefore, it is extremely risky to send your card information and photo, even if you trust the person receiving the information.

Hackers can break into your phone and collect the photos and data that are visible.

Registration on fake apps

If you want to know how the credit card is cloned, it is worth noting that one of the methods is to register the card in apps on your cell phone.

In short, this is a way to collect victims' data, and it happens precisely because the app is fake.

This can also occur through some games, developed just for this purpose.

Card cloning machine

In the case of in-person purchases, the criminal can pretend to have made a mistake when entering your purchase information into the card machine.

This way, if the customer is distracted, he will type the password instead of the amount.

Then, the person will take the machine back with the customer's password exposed, and in this situation the card can be cloned, after all, they will have all the information they need at hand.

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How credit cards are cloned: see how to protect yourself

In principle, today it is essential to use resources and techniques that provide more security when purchasing with a card. Here are some measures you can take:

1. Use the temporary virtual card

Even if you are shopping at a well-known online store, it is never a good idea to make a mistake.

Therefore, when shopping online, use a temporary virtual card to reduce the risk of cloning.

Remember, large companies in the market have already had their systems hacked, and consequently their customers' data was leaked, so be prepared.

2. Avoid using your physical card when shopping in small establishments 

Small establishments generally do not have the necessary security to prevent these types of situations.

Many criminals install systems to steal card information from machines in small establishments, in which case, when paying, use Pix.

3. How credit card is cloned: Cover the keyboard when entering the password

When typing your password, it is best to cover the keyboard, as most establishments have strategically positioned cameras.

This also applies to transactions made at ATMs.

4. Do not give the card to other people 

A serious mistake that people make is handing the card over to the store owner or salesperson. Within seconds, the card details are collected and the person will not even know.

At this point, data theft occurs through cameras or at the time of the transaction itself.

5. Don't believe calls claiming cloning 

If you happen to receive a call informing you of the cloning, do not carry out any process over the phone.

On the other hand, what you should do is immediately call your bank's call center and check whether the information is true.

If possible, make the call from a phone other than yours, if it is true you will end up finding out, how the credit card is cloned.

6. There are times when it is not necessary to use the card password 

In short, the occasions when the card is requested are for physical purchases and at ATMs. If any website other than your bank asks for the PIN, be aware.

7. Always check your card statement

Although doing this will not prevent your card from being cloned, it will increase the chances of discovering and resolving the issue before the damage becomes greater.

Therefore, if a person always checks their invoice, they may see transactions that were not made with their consent.

Conclusion 

How a credit card is cloned? There are several strategies used by criminals to clone people's cards.

Therefore, it is worth putting into practice all the tips mentioned here, and making quick and informed decisions, if this happens to your card.

And if the information is useful to you, don't forget to share it with other people, so that they can be prepared and not have their card cloned.

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