If you use a debit card, then you gotta be aware of the dangers of card cracking.

This is a growing trend among criminals that can lead to serious financial trouble.

With card cracking, criminals can use your cards to make unauthorized purchases.

Person Holding Debit Card

So, what is card cracking, and how can you prevent it from happening to you?

What Is Card Cracking?

Usually, attackerstarget victims by social engineeringthrough email, social media, text messages, or phone calls.

Virtual credit cards seen on digital background

These attackers can be very convincing and will make their victims believe that they are legitimate.

To clearly understand this, here’s an example.

In return, they promise to leave a certain amount, say, $1500, in your account.

Attacker looking at card details

In the hope of helping someone in need (and earning $1500!

), you might give them your card details to make the deposit.

Here are the general steps they take.

close up shot of payment check on top of envelope

This check is used as a base for the scam.

They also promise some money in return for making it look like a genuine opportunity.

The victim then provides their debit card or banking details in exchange for the offer.

A wooden gavel slams down toward a brown table

This creates a negative balance in their accounts and makes them liable to pay back that amount with penalties.

The victim is also liable for legal action if found guilty of being a party to criminal activity.

Who Are the Common Targets of Scammers?

Card cracking targets innocent victims who do not have the necessary knowledge to differentiate between genuine and fake activities.

These scammers sometimes even target children.

They may also face legal action if found guilty of being involved in criminal activities.

Additionally, they may have to bear huge penalties imposed by banks or financial institutions.