Why do fraudsters use "tester" amounts?

sharpy2010

When fraudsters get a card number, I've heard that they put a small transaction through to test that the card is live. I.e., perhaps they'll put £1.50 on I-tunes or some other such site. If this works, they will then go for the much larger amounts.

Thing is, why don't they just go for larger amounts anyway? If it works, it works. Surely by putting the tester amount through, they are risking getting a working card blocked, as everyone and their dog now seems to know about tester amounts?

I just don't see why they don't go for a large amount straight away?

Consumerist

I suspect the answer is that the fraudsters sell-on the card data to foreign fraudsters where security is less of a problem. The data is more valuable if it has been confirmed to work.

bengalknights

Its mainly because a small amount would be less likely to be noticed and so the details can be sold on.

JohnG

This has happened to us a couple of times over the last few years, fortunately our credit company pick-up on these transactions as they are suspicious and so check with us. Unfortunately it does inevitably result in the cancelling and replacement of your credit cards which is very inconvenient, especially when you are just about to go abroad for a holiday! :mad:

As it happens I am currently looking through this forum on this subject as we have just discovered another attempt to use our card details only this time it was me that picked up on it having received an email saying I'd successfully changed my "SECURECODE" which relates to the additional security system Mastercard has in place - Not very secure if someone can change it without my knowledge I can't help thinking?

After about two hours or more of hanging on the phone and speaking to various depts, mainly in India, they've cancelled my newly rcvd cards with complete replacements. I am now trying to track down who/where this fraud took place as I would love to find out as it's B****y inconvenient to say the least!! :mad:

All I can say is, you can't be too vigilant when it comes to your credit cards and bank accounts!

INT1

Test amounts ensure the card is ok to use.

Most of the cards are sourced in batches, and then sold on, so they are tested first or prior to using the card.

Bit silly really as it normally alerts the card companies straight away, however if someone is selling the card details, they need to establish and build a trusted relationship within the fraud community.