How might my card details have been stolen?

bogstandard2

My debit card has been used to make a number of iTunes purchases (£120 worth). They haven't compromised my iTunes account; they have used my card on a different account. Bank are looking into it, but I just don't know how it happened.

I feel like I'm very careful. Always look out for anything suspicious at cash machines (and tbh rarely use them). Only shop on trusted (established brand) websites and never store my card details for next time, always type them out each time. Don't visit dodgy sites and check my PC regularly for viruses.

I also don't understand what they gain from this kind of crime - they're not buying goods they can sell on? What might they be buying on iTunes that would make carrying out a risky crime worth it?

Will my bank's fraud team pass this on to the police or is this just considered small fry in the world of card fraud?

datlex

They can get them in all manner of ways. For example have you seen that Barclays add where the guy gets the details from photos? (Though I appreciate that doesn't show for the 3 digit code)

As for what they can gain. They have gained £120 they no longer have to spend.

bogstandard2

Would someone really commit a crime and risk all the consequences that come with it just to get a few apps/games/music/whatever? I presumed it must be part of something bigger-scale i.e. they nick £120 from a few hundred people and somehow gain significantly. But I can't imagine how given it's all digital goods/Apple proprietary and can't be sold on...

18cc

Did they actually buy iTunes 'stuff' (eg films, music for download) or iTunes gift cards/vouchers - these can be sold on for a bit less than face value.

bogstandard2

18cc I have no idea what they bought as I can only see the amounts, but the amounts aren't round numbers - they're like £14.98, £10.38 etc - so maybe not gift cards?

agrinnall

bogstandard2 wrote: »

check my PC regularly for viruses.

It's not viruses that will steal your card details though, it's malware. If you don't already do so, I strongly suggest that you download Malwarebytes and run it on a regular basis. This is the official site, I don't believe there is any need to pay for the extra functions, so just download the free version.

https://www.malwarebytes.com/mwb-download/

If it finds anything I'd post on the Techie board to ask about removal tools.

bioboybill

People can also steal your card details by just walking very close to you and using rfid skimmers that steal your card details. You can buy wallets/card carriers that can stop this. Or wrap the cards in foil! Thieves often carry out several low value I-tunes purchases first, and if successful then go on to make much larger transactions.