I Was the Victim of Credit Card Theft

How did it happen? Why did it happen? Did I do something wrong to cause it? These are questions that victims of identity theft might ask. As the personal victim of two types of identity-related theft in the last ten years, I know firsthand the nightmare it can cause! Here are valuable takeaways from my most recent experience involving credit card theft.

It’s emotional

Discovering you’ve become a victim of identity theft triggers a whirlwind of emotions. When it happened to me, my mind instantly raced with questions about how and why this could occur. I replayed everything I’d done: I protected my personal information, ignored unknown calls and texts, steered clear of public Wi-Fi, avoided suspicious emails, and only dealt with companies I know and trust. Even with all these precautions, it still happened to me —twice! Despite being ultra cautious, identity theft found a way into my life on two separate occasions.  

What is identity theft?

Identity theft is when thieves steal your personal information to take over or open new accounts. Per LifeLock by Norton, it also includes other criminal activity involving your identity such as filing fake tax returns, renting or buying properties, or doing activities in your name without your permission. They explain, “Identity theft is a crime in which someone accesses information to commit fraud, typically by getting false credentials, opening new accounts in someone else’s name or using someone else’s existing accounts.”

Various types of identity theft

There are different forms of identity theft to include criminal, employment, medical, tax, and more. Regardless, a main denominator exists – criminals want your personal information to carry out their crimes – and they will use dirty tricks to get it!

My two experiences

Like millions of Americans, I am a victim of fraud. The first experience caught me off-guard. We were in the process of buying a home, and there was a flaw exposed in my credit report – a crook opened an account in my name to buy cellphones and the debt was outstanding. (Despite the transaction being flagged as fraudulent by the vendor, they allowed it to go through.) I had to fight the charges, and it was time consuming and pressing to restore my credit at a critical time in the home buying process. I wondered how the heck did crooks get my name and account number to perpetuate this fraud…

Recently, someone used my old account number to make unauthorized purchases at two major retailers. While I briefly questioned if I had left a credit card in donated handbags, I realized it was more probable my information had been compromised in a data breach. My spouse importantly reminded me not to blame myself as the victim.

Why did it happen?

Credit card theft, a form of identity theft I experienced, happens when criminals use stolen card details for fraud, often acquired from data breaches on the Dark Web. Victims usually find out after fraudulent transactions occur. Though most credit card companies attempt to help their customers find resolution, it is time consuming and nerve wracking to sort out the mess! Additionally, debit card theft can be even more complicated to resolve.

Why is debit card theft more complicated?

A debit card is directly connected to a person’s bank account and funds withdrawn can be challenging to recover. Unlike debit cards, credit cards are not directly connected to bank accounts and use is set by credit card limits. Additionally, credit card companies may stop payment or reverse fraudulent charges when crimes are promptly reported, disputed, and investigated.

What exactly is the Dark Web?

The Dark Web refers to a segment of the internet consisting of concealed websites that are inaccessible via conventional search engines. Users gain access to unindexed content on the dark web through specialized browsers that offer anonymity. While there are legitimate applications, such as secure communication for government agencies, the anonymity and hidden nature of these services also facilitate illegal activities, including fraud, distribution of illicit material, and black markets for drugs, weapons, human trafficking, and stolen data.

Are the Dark Web and Deep Web the same?

No. They are not the same. Note that the Deep Web refers to everything online that’s not indexed by search engines like email accounts, academic journals, and private databases. It’s not illegal. The Dark Web is a small portion of the Deep Web. Simply accessing the Dark Web is not considered illegal in most countries, however, it’s a dangerous place where hackers and cybercriminals may go and crime occurs. Note that engaging in criminal activity on the Dark Web is illegal.

How can my information end up on the Dark Web?

Personal data can end up on the Dark Web due to data breaches, phishing, ransomware attacks, online scams and more. Hacked data, credit card details, and personal information are frequently traded on the Dark Web. Additionally, malware, ransomware, and hacking tools are widely sold in underground forums.

Is identity theft preventable?

Individuals possess a certain degree of control over their accounts and personal information, but this control is not absolute. Those who do not exercise caution, such as by oversharing on social media or leaving sensitive documents unsecured, may inadvertently increase their vulnerability to identity theft. Nevertheless, external circumstances can place information beyond an individual’s control. For instance, despite prudent behavior, malicious actors may obtain personal data through security breaches. Such compromised information can then be exploited by criminals to commit fraud. Thus, people can be victims of identity theft by no fault of their own.

Criminals don’t need your physical card

Theft victims may experience self-doubt and blame, but honestly, it’s easy to have your private account information exposed, even when you’re careful. This is why people need to protect open accounts and monitor transactions. Per Aura, “Criminals no longer need your physical credit card to commit fraud. Instead, credit card fraud has evolved into one of the most common cyber security threats.” For instance, in October 2022, activity on the Dark Web marketplace led to nearly 1.2 million credit card details being exposed. Returning to the question of how my credit card number ended up in the wrong hands, there may never be a definite answer. Aura identifies typical methods hackers use to specifically steal credit card information:  

• Theft via stolen or lost wallets or credit cards. Here, crooks have your credit card in their possession.
• Dumpster diving or trash digging for account details.
• An acquaintance, friend, or family member uses your card without your permission.
• Card skimmers or shimmers that unknowingly collect credit card data.
• Public Wi-Fi exposure where your information is intercepted.
• RFID (contactless payment) collection, whereby a thief uses a device to scrape your card info.
• Phishing emails or texts whereby you get tricked and scammed online.
• Installed malware or spyware on your device that steals sensitive data.
• Scam phone calls whereby you get tricked and scammed over the phone.
• “Shoulder surfing” where someone watches and copies your card information.
• “Formjacking” on websites you trust. Here, hackers launch cyberattacks to insert malware into website forms, allowing them to access your information when you enter it.
• Account takeovers on your online bank.
• Gaining your credit card information via a data breach.
• Hacking the payment systems for online stores to gain access to saved information.

Something credit card companies might not tell you:

People may choose to upgrade a credit card offering a higher-level option with the same issuer. When upgrading status, the credit card company typically sends you a new card that links to the same account as the old card. When you get the replacement card in the mail and activate it, you’d assume that the former card is deactivated and will no longer work for purchases and transactions. So, you cut it up and move on with your life. However, as I confirmed via telephone call to American Express, automatic deactivation is not standard practice. Therefore, your old card remains active, even years later. You must call them and tell them to inactivate the old card. If you upgrade, inquire about the old card so you can decide what to do.

Hidden ways to protect yourself from credit card theft

Keep track of your credit cards and spending: It’s easy to lose count of how many cards you own or overlook your purchases if you don’t review your statements regularly. Poor management can hide credit card fraud, negatively affect your credit score, and create bigger problems in the future.

Check your credit report at least once a year: You have the right to request a free copy of your credit report each year from each of the three major consumer reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). This enables people to spot potential issues, such as inaccuracies or fraud, that can have negative impact on credit scores (a numerical expression that indicates credit worthiness).

Make security a top priority: Think safety. Use two-factor authentication on accounts, as well as secure PINs and strong passwords. Enhance online security and keep software and antivirus programs up to date. Invest in protecting your physical cards with a wallet using RFID technology. These wallets, containing special hidden protective layers, block signals emitted by credit cards to prevent theft. This makes it harder for thieves to scan and steal card information.

My story

Initially, I was reluctant to disclose that I had been affected by credit card fraud and identity theft on two separate occasions. Each time, my privacy was violated and I felt vulnerable. In the first instance, a criminal opened an account using my credentials, which nearly negatively impacted my credit score. In the second case, a crook unlawfully accessed my active account. In both instances, I sought explanations for how it might have occurred, despite knowing I had limited personal responsibility.

As the victim of credit card theft…

Over time, I have come to understand that these incidents are not attributable to individual fault as identity theft is increasingly common. Data indicates that credit card fraud remains a significant and growing concern in today’s financial landscape. Motley Fool Money describes a spike in ID theft in 2025, revealing that there were 1,157,317 cases of identity theft reported through the third quarter of 2025. Did you know that this staggering number is more than all reported cases in 2024?  

There’s hope!

Federal Trade Commission, FTC, is working hard on our behalf to combat ID theft. Reporting theft to them can help spot and stop scammers – so crooks can be shut down. Credit card companies and businesses are also improving fraud prevention to keep transactions safe. Meanwhile, individuals are encouraged to protect their personal information. Victims are reminded that they are not at fault for the actions of criminals.

Disclosure: This article is purely informational and reflects the writer’s experience. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, nor does it serve as an endorsement for products or services.