
In 2019, hackers infiltrated a major credit card processing company, compromising over 1 million credit card numbers. This breach was one of the largest in recent history.
The hackers used a combination of phishing and malware to gain access to the company's systems. They then extracted sensitive information, including credit card numbers, expiration dates, and security codes.
Over 400,000 of the compromised credit cards were used for online transactions, with hackers making purchases on popular e-commerce sites. The average loss per card was $250.
The breach highlighted the need for increased security measures, including two-factor authentication and regular system updates.
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Notable Data Breaches
In 2006, TJX Companies, the parent company of retailers like TJMaxx and Marshall's, was a target of a massive cyber-attack that stole 94 million credit card numbers.
The attack, which was reported by the Associated Press, resulted in estimated fraud-related losses of $68 million to $83 million for Visa credit cards alone, spread across 13 countries.
TJX Companies ended up paying a total of $74.75 million to settle the matter, including $41 million to Visa and $24 million to MasterCard.
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2009: Heartland Systems (160 Million Cards)

In 2009, Heartland Systems was the target of a massive cyber-attack that compromised 160 million cards.
A lone hacker broke into the company's systems and stole personal identification and credit/debit card data.
The hacker was later caught and jailed, but not before five people, including the hacker, were indicted for attacking various retailers, financial institutions, and payment processing firms.
Companies affected by the attack included Nasdaq, 7-Eleven, Carrefour, JC Penney, Hannaford, Wet Seal, Commidea, Dexia, JetBlue, Dow Jones, Euronet, Visa Jordan, Global Payment, Diners Singapore, and Ingenicard.
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1984: Trw/Sears (90M)
In 1984, a significant data breach occurred involving TRW and Sears. A password for a leading credit union TRW was stolen from a Sears store on the West Coast.
This password unlocked access to credit histories and personal information, which could be used to obtain credit card numbers. The breach affected 90 million people.
The breach was reported by the New York Times, highlighting the vulnerability of sensitive information at the time.
2014: Home Depot Data Breach

The 2014 Home Depot data breach was a massive attack that compromised 56 million credit cards. This malware was custom-built and specifically designed to target the retailer.
Home Depot had to pay a hefty price for the breach, with $25 million going to banks, $134.5 million to card companies like Visa and MasterCard, and $19.5 million to affected customers.
1.2 Million Credit Cards Leaked on Dark Web
A staggering 1.2 million credit cards were leaked on the dark web, making it a massive data breach. The majority of the cards were from U.S. users.
Cyber security researchers at Cyble analyzed the dump and found that American Express was the largest bank affected, with 157,829 cards. That's 13% of the total number of cards leaked.
More VISA and MasterCard cards were affected than American Express cards, with 601,446 VISA and 388,663 MasterCard cards exposed.
The leak is likely to cause significant financial damage, especially since 30% of the cards were still active, according to D3Labs' analysis.
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Post-Breach Safety Measures

If you've received a data breach notification, reach out to your bank or credit card provider about getting a replacement card.
Monitoring your financial accounts for signs of fraud is crucial, so keep a close eye on them.
You should notify your bank immediately if you find any suspicious activity.
Slim CD, the company responsible for the breach, has taken steps to implement additional safeguards to its network.
The company has also reported the incident to federal law enforcement and regulatory authorities.
Data breaches have become a fact of life, but taking proactive steps can help minimize the damage.
Don't wait for the company to take action - take control of your own safety by being vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity.
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Types of Credit Card Hacking
Credit card hacking can take many forms, and it's essential to understand the different types to protect yourself.
Skimming is a common type of credit card hacking, where thieves attach a device to an ATM or card reader to capture card information.

Card-not-present (CNP) fraud occurs when hackers use stolen credit card numbers to make online purchases. According to the article, CNP fraud accounts for 53% of all credit card transactions.
Phishing scams involve hackers sending fake emails or messages that appear to be from a legitimate source, tricking victims into revealing their card information.
Card cloning involves creating a replica of a credit card using the stolen information, which can then be used to make purchases or withdraw cash.
Prepaid card hacking involves targeting prepaid credit cards, which are often used by individuals who don't have a traditional credit history. Thieves can load funds onto these cards and use them to make purchases or withdraw cash.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can the bank find out who used my debit card online?
Yes, banks have systems to investigate and potentially identify individuals who use your debit card online. Reporting the incident can help the bank work with law enforcement to find the perpetrator.
How did the scammer get my credit card number?
Your credit card number may have been stolen through phishing, hijacking payment forms, intercepting public Wi-Fi, or other malicious methods. To learn more about how to protect yourself, read our tips on preventing credit card scams
Sources
- https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/776630
- https://www.investopedia.com/news/5-biggest-credit-card-data-hacks-history/
- https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-in-the-News/More-than-1-2-million-hacked-credit-cards-released-on-the-dark/td-p/6604613
- https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/online-security/17-million-people-hit-in-massive-credit-card-data-breach-what-to-do-now
- https://www.sitelock.com/blog/magento-infection-stolen-credit-card-data/
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