Card testing
Card Testing Definition
Card testing, also known as payment card verification (PCV) attacks, is a type of cybercrime where fraudsters attempt to validate stolen or counterfeit credit card details by making small transactions. These attacks are used to verify whether stolen credit card information is valid and active, allowing criminals to make larger, unauthorized purchases with the compromised cards.
How Card Testing Works
Card testing involves several steps that fraudsters use to exploit stolen credit card details. Here's how the process typically unfolds:
1. Obtaining Stolen Card Details
Fraudsters use automated tools to generate lists of stolen credit card details or purchase them from underground online marketplaces. These sources provide access to a vast collection of stolen card information, including card numbers, expiration dates, and cardholder names.
2. Making Small Transactions
Using the stolen card details, fraudsters initiate small transactions, often at online retailers or service providers. These transactions are deliberately kept inconspicuous, often involving low-cost items or services. By making these small purchases, fraudsters test the stolen cards' validity and active status without arousing suspicion.
3. Validating Working Cards
The purpose of card testing is to identify working cards that can be used for larger, unauthorized purchases. Fraudsters are primarily interested in determining which cards have not been blocked by the issuers and are active and valid. By testing the cards with small transactions, they can filter out any inactive or blocked cards, leaving them with a list of working cards.
4. Unauthorized Purchases or Selling Validated Card Details
With a list of validated card details in hand, fraudsters can proceed to make larger, unauthorized purchases. They often target high-value items or services that can be easily monetized, such as electronics or gift cards. Alternatively, they may choose to sell the validated card details to other criminals on the dark web, where they fetch a high price.
Prevention Tips
Detecting and preventing card testing attacks requires a proactive approach to security. Here are some prevention tips to safeguard against this type of cybercrime:
Implement Multi-Factor Authentication: Require customers to provide additional verification beyond just card details when making online transactions. This can include one-time passwords (OTP), biometric authentication, or two-step verification. Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security and makes it more difficult for fraudsters to exploit stolen credit card details.
Monitor Transactions for Unusual Charges: Regularly review customer transaction activity for any unusual or small charges. Card testing often involves making small test transactions to validate card details. Identifying these suspicious transactions early can help halt fraudulent activity and protect customers' accounts.
Use Fraud Detection Services: Partner with fraud detection service providers that utilize advanced algorithms and machine learning to identify and block suspicious transactions in real-time. These services analyze transaction patterns, compare them against known fraud indicators, and flag potentially fraudulent activity.
Educate Customers: Promote awareness among your customer base about the importance of securing their card details and reporting any unauthorized activity promptly. Encourage customers to regularly check their transaction history and report any discrepancies or suspicious charges to your support team.
By taking proactive measures to prevent card testing attacks, businesses can enhance their security posture, protect their customers, and mitigate potential financial losses associated with fraudulent transactions.
Related Terms
- Carding: The act of using stolen credit card information to make purchases or perform fraudulent transactions.
- Fraud Detection Systems: Software and processes designed to identify and prevent fraudulent activities, including card testing and other forms of payment fraud.