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Stolen Card Data

Card data such as card number, expiry date, CVV and 3D Secure information is a valuable commodity to criminals and can be bought by and sold to other criminals. This data is used to make fraudulent online purchases, often for highly re-saleable goods that can quickly be turned in to cash.
Criminals use various tactics to get this information including:

  • Phishing , vishing and smishing.
  • Malware on your computer or electronic device that records your activity and passes personal,financial or security information to the criminal or allows access to your device.
  • Bogus websites.
  • Malware on genuine websites.

Online shopping on devices or phones is very convenient and easy, offering greater choice and the ability to shop around for deals from the comfort of your own home. However, it can also mean criminals have an opportunity to commit card fraud from a distance in a non-face-to-face and non-confrontational environment and criminals can use these methods to steal card data. Here are some tips to make your mail order, phone or internet shopping experience safer.

Key Advice

Keeping your card safe when shopping over the phone or by mail order;

  1. Know who you are dealing with – Before you give your card details to a retailer make sure you know who you are dealing with. Do some research to check that they are legitimate and reputable
  2. Keep a record of the transaction – If you give your card details to a retailer/seller over the phone, make a note of the phone number, shop name, the date and time of your call, and the name of the person who recorded your card number.
  3. Cold Callers – Don’t give your card number over the telephone to “cold” callers under any circumstances. Only make telephone transactions when you have instigated the call and are familiar with the company.
  4. Never divulge your PIN number – Never give (either verbally or in writing) your PIN number to anyone requesting it. Banks, building societies, card issuers, Gardaí/Police or genuine retailers will NEVER ask for this information.

Keeping your card safe when shopping on the Internet;

By following our simple guidelines there is no reason why online shopping should be any less secure than shopping on the high street. You have many of the same consumer rights, if not more.

  1. Know who you are dealing with – Try to find out as much as you can about the retailer before you purchase anything from them. Use shops that your friends and colleagues have used successfully or ones that you have heard about through trusted sources.
  2. Make sure your internet access is secured – The beginning of the retailer’s internet address should change from ‘http’ to ‘https’ before a purchase is made. This indicates that you are using a secure connection.
  3. Look for the padlock – Click on the security icon (the padlock or unbroken key symbol) to ensure that the retailer has an encryption certificate. The link should describe the type of security and encryption being used.
  4. Keep your computer and security up to date – Install a reliable anti-virus and browser security software. Ensure it has the latest updates and that it scans your computer regularly to check for malware. Make sure your browser is set to the highest level of security notification and monitoring. These safety options are not always activated by default when you purchase and install your computer.
  5. Pay attention to your own instincts – If you have any doubts about giving out your card details, end the transaction and purchase your goods elsewhere.
  6. Be cautious about emails claiming outrageous offers – Generally if they sound too good to be true, they are.
  7. Be password savvy – If you use a password to log on to your network or computer, use a different password for orders or retailer accounts. Avoid using your address, birth date, phone number or easily recognisable words. The best passwords are alpha-numeric (using letters and numbers) and at least 8 characters in length.
  8. 3D Secure – 3D Secure is a tool available to cardholders that protects your MasterCard or Visa card against unauthorised internet use. 3D Secure enables you to verify that you are the actual cardholder in a similar way to keying in a PIN at the Point of Sale. Contact your bank or card issuer to find out more about 3D secure.