It’s not difficult to be a cybercrook: Just learn a bit about computers, purchase some $2,000 malware, and start spamming.
Now, it’s even easier: criminals are selling credit card numbers using online stores similar to eBay and Amazon, reports Martha C. White for TimeMoneyland.
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The sites feature shopping carts and online billing. Credit card numbers are sold at $3.50 a pop. Some even have customer service call centres to help “clients” with big orders.
Read: Fraud slipping past Canadian regulators
It’s a challenge for law enforcement to shut down these sites, since the servers change constantly and tend not to be based in the countries where fraud victims reside.
To stay safe, update your virus software regularly and be wary of strange e-mails that claim to be from credit card companies.
Also, keep careful track of bills, since credit-thieves often make a small purchase to be sure the card is still active before really taking you to the cleaners.
Read: Fraud in dental and other professional offices
