Card Cloning Fraud: From ATM to online shopping, is your card being copied?

In the age of digital payments, card cloning fraud is rapidly increasing. If you withdraw money from ATMs, pay with your card at restaurants, or shop online, be careful. A small mistake can empty your bank account. Cyber ​​criminals are now using technology that allows them to copy your card's entire details and, without your knowledge, create a duplicate card and steal money.

What is card cloning fraud?
Card cloning is a process in which a person's original debit or credit card details are stolen and a duplicate (cloned) card is created. Using this duplicate card, fraudsters can withdraw money from ATMs or shop online. This fraud often occurs when the card is used on an unsecured machine or website. Cybercriminals use a device called a "skimmer device" to steal data from the card's magnetic strip. They also record your card's PIN by installing a small camera.

Where does card cloning fraud occur?

1. At ATMs:
Fraudsters install skimming devices and cameras on ATMs. As soon as you insert your card, they record your details.

2. At restaurants or petrol pumps:
When you make a card payment and hand it over to an employee, they sometimes copy the details using a mobile skimmer.

3. Online shopping or phishing websites:
Fake websites or apps appear genuine, but as soon as you enter your card number and CVV, the details are directly transmitted to fraudsters.

4. Through public Wi-Fi:
Logging in or making transactions on an open network can lead to your card data being hacked.

Understand the fraud method:
Fraudsters first obtain card details through a machine or website.

They then copy the same data onto a blank card.

Now they have a clone of your card.

Through this, they either make online purchases or withdraw money from ATMs.

How to Recognize Signs of Card Cloning
Unknown transactions appear from your bank account even though you haven't spent any money.
The machine's behavior appears unusual after inserting your card into the ATM.
Small amounts are continuously deducted after making a card payment.
A transaction alert from the bank appears, but you haven't made a payment.

Ways to Prevent Card Cloning:
1. Monitor your ATM.
If the card slot in the machine appears loose or an additional camera is visible, immediately use another machine.

2. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
Cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN at any ATM or point-of-sale machine.

3. Never give your card to anyone:
Never hand your card to a hotel, petrol pump, or shopkeeper. Insert it into the machine yourself and make the payment.

4. Shop on secure websites.
Enter your card details only on websites that start with https://. Avoid phishing links or unknown websites.

5. Avoid transactions on public Wi-Fi.

Never use banking apps or payment sites on open networks.

6. Check bank alerts daily.
Enable SMS or email alerts for every transaction. If you notice anything unusual, contact your bank immediately.

7. Use the digital card lock/unlock feature.
Many banks now offer the ability to turn your card on/off through your mobile app. Keep your card off when not in use.

8. Activate Visa/Mastercard security services.
Use a payment system with OTP or two-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized transactions.

What to do if your card is cloned?
Immediately contact your bank's customer service and have the card blocked.
File a complaint about unauthorized transactions. If you report it within 24 hours, the bank may take responsibility.
File an FIR on the cybercrime portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in) or at the nearest police station.
Get a new card issued by the bank and change the NetBanking password.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from News 18 hindi. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.