How is a credit card cloned and what should be done?

One in six Brazilians has had their card cloned at some point, according to a study. Do you know how a credit card is cloned and what the consequences are for your financial life? Read the article!

The National Confederation of Retail Managers pointed out that, in 2019, around 3.5 million people had their cards cloned. 

In November 2020, Dfndr Lab released a survey indicating that one in six Brazilians had had their card cloned at some point. 

Being a victim of a fraud like this can lead to significant losses, especially financial ones.

In today's text, you will discover how a credit card is cloned and what to do if this happens. 

You'll also find some prevention tips. Be sure to check it out! 

See below what we will cover in this text:

• How is a credit card cloned?
• Is there a way to know where the card was cloned?
• Is there a way to find out who cloned my credit card?
• When the card is cloned, who pays the bill?
• What to do in case of a scam?
• How to avoid credit card cloning? Tips to protect yourself:
• Use the virtual card
• Do not share photos of your card and personal information on social media.
• Be careful when accessing links and websites
• Be aware of in-person transactions
• Which bank offers a virtual card?
• Conclusion

How is a credit card cloned?

Imagine receiving a notification from your card app informing you that your purchase worth R$1,000 has been approved. 

You will certainly be surprised for several reasons: the card is stored, you did not authorize or make the purchase, how will you pay for an amount you have not even used, etc.

Due to your nervousness, it's normal to think it must have been a mistake, however, you soon discover that the purchase was real and paid for with your credit card, which is kept in your wallet at home. 

Apparently, you just discovered that you had the cloned credit cardBut how could this have happened? At what point?

In the end, How is a credit card cloned?

A credit card is cloned when the card data is stolen and transferred to another card. 

The main way this happens is through a tampered reader that copies the magnetic strip on the back of the credit card.

This way, all the data from the card passed through this tampered reader is copied and transferred to another card. 

The card can also be cloned online when the cyber fraudster has access to the card's data, for example, security code, expiration date and printed name.

Another way a card can be cloned is by taking advantage of distractions and taking photos or acquiring data from photographs posted on social media, for example.

In these cases, criminals will have enough data to defraud the card and even carry out online transactions.

Is there a way to know where the card was cloned?

Your card can be cloned anywhere, including credit cards that don't have a chip, which are even easier to clone. 

The action can take place at a 24-hour bank teller or even at bank branch ATMs. 

Furthermore, there have been reports of gangs installing a fraudulent system on payment machines. 

That way, there is no way to know where the card was clonedThe only thing you can find out is where it was used, but that's not enough information to find out where it was cloned or who used the card. 

Is there a way to find out who cloned my credit card?

Unfortunately, no. If your credit card has been cloned, you won't be able to legally access any information about the person who cloned the card. 

In short, no How can you find out who cloned your credit card? 

When a credit card is cloned, who pays the bill?

One of the main concerns when we discover that our credit card has been used without our consent is: Who pays the cloned card bill? 

Don't worry! Financial institutions are required to refund the amount if the invoice has already been paid, or cancel the charge on your credit card statement. 

Financial institutions are also responsible if any withdrawals or transfers were made using the card, for example.

According to the Consumer Protection Code, they are responsible for the failure, as they were unable to guarantee sufficient user security. 

What to do in case of a scam?

Now that you've discovered how a credit card is cloned, Do you know what to do if you suspect your card has been defrauded? 

First, contact the institution responsible for the card to cancel the cloned card and send a new one. 

Report any unknown charges and request a refund. 

Other than that, you can still file a police report, making it easier to prove that the card was cloned, if there is any protest in your name. 

How to avoid credit card cloning? Tips to protect yourself

There are some initiatives that can protect us against credit card scams or at least reduce the chances of having a cloned credit card. 

Check out the tips below!

#Use the virtual card

When shopping online, it's best to use a virtual card, as this prevents cybercriminals from accessing your original credit card details. 

The virtual card brings more convenience and security to purchases made online, one of the main areas for card cloning. 

#Do not share photos of your card or personal data on social media

It's very common for people to share personal details about their lives on social media without even considering the risks or consequences of these actions. 

Photos taken with friends in restaurants, nightclubs or cafes are “legal”.

However, between one fun and another, taking photos in which your credit card details are visible and then posting them on social media without realizing it can put your security at risk.

That's exactly where the danger lies! Malicious individuals can combine your card details with other details of yours and end up cloning your card.

Therefore, it is very important to be careful and not post personal data on social media. 

#Be careful when accessing suspicious links or websites

Cybercriminals use fake websites and links to steal data. So, be very careful when accessing a website and entering your information there. 

If you like to shop online, make sure you're in a safe environment and on the store's official website.

One of the criminals' strategies is to create fake websites or offers that look very similar to those of famous stores.

An example: casasbahianet.com.br, since the Casas Bahia website is: www.casasbahia.com.br .

However, because it's a very similar address, people don't realize they're on a fake website.

Mainly because the website is very similar too: advertising offers, using the same colors, signs, etc.

#Pay attention to in-person transactions

Most credit card cloning happens online. So, when swiping your card, make sure no one is around you trying to look or take photos. 

Also, don't hand your card to the attendant, use contactless technology or insert the card yourself into the machine and enter the PIN carefully, using your hand to block the view of those around you.

There are other ways to use the card without having the card with you, for example, paying via Pix or with a QR Code.

Certainly, these are safer ways to pay for your purchases in a physical environment when we talk about card cloning. 

Which bank offers a virtual card?

Currently, most digital banks offer virtual cards to their customers. Additionally, some offer physical cards without numbers, such as Iti, Mercado Pago, and Neon. 

To make your search easier, discover below some great card suggestions for you to apply for today and make your online purchases more securely by paying with a virtual card. 

Nubank: more than one virtual card active simultaneously.

Inter: up to 1,25% cashback when using the virtual card in the credit function.

PicPay: payment of bills in up to 12 installments.

Next: cashback and discounts on partner sites.

Digio: use the virtual card to buy in physical stores, just add it to a digital wallet.

Conclusion

So, did you enjoy finding out? How is a credit card cloned? 

To avoid this type of situation, it is very important to be cautious when purchasing from online and physical stores.

Unfortunately, danger is everywhere and your card can be cloned in any environment.

However, to protect yourself and reduce the success of criminals' actions, put our tips into practice. 

If you don't already use a virtual card for your online and in-person purchases, consider changing that practice.

With a virtual card, you can enjoy greater peace of mind and security when making purchases. The suggestions listed here are among the best on the market.

However, here in our website You can also find more great suggestions for digital accounts that offer virtual cards.