How to Check if My Credit Card Number is on the Dark Web?

  • By Farrukh Mushtaq

    Farrukh Mushtaq

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    Farrukh Mushtaq, a digital marketer at PureSquare, possesses a keen interest in cybersecurity and enjoys writing about it. With several years of experience in the digital marketing industry, he brings expertise and passion to his work.

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  • 21 March 2025
  • 14 mins read

Table of Content

Table of Contents

It is a common fear that your credit card information ends up where it should not. And the dark web often gets the blame. But how do you know if your card has been compromised? The blog covers some actionable advice to protect yourself.

How to Check if Your Credit Card Number Is on the Dark Web

PureVPN’s Dark Web Monitoring will notify you if your data appears on the dark web. Monitor your credit card number for signs of unauthorized use and stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.

You can easily track your credit card number and other critical identifiers like your phone number, email address, and social security number. Receive instant alerts whenever your data is shared on the dark web, and follow the recommendations to improve your security posture.

Discover if Your Most Critical Identifiers Have Been Exposed on the Dark Web

Receive timely alerts and actionable insights with PurePrivacy's Dark Web Monitoring.

Check if your email is on the dark web.

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What You Get with PureVPN’s Dark Web Monitoring:

  • Scan dark web marketplaces and forums for any trace of your compromised information.
  • Get alerts when your data is found so you can take precautions.
  • Provides actionable steps to mitigate risks.

How to Use PureVPN's Dark Web Monitoring 

Here's how you can use Dark Web Monitoring:

  1. Sign up for PureMax.
  2. Download and install the PureVPN app.
  3. Log into your account and click Dark Web Monitoring.
What You Get with PureVPN’s Dark Web Monitoring
  1. Select Add Assets to Monitor and enter your email address, SSN/NIN, credit card number, passport number, and phone number in the respective fields.
  2. Enter the code sent to your registered number to verify your identity, and you’re done.
Enter the code sent to your registered number to verify your identity
  1. Follow the recommended measures if your data is found on the dark web to protect yourself from further harm.
Follow the recommended measures if your data is found on the dark web

Interesting reading

4 Warning Signs Your Credit Card Number is Hacked

Watch some signs to make a good guess that your data might end up on the dark web and has been compromised.

1. Unauthorized Transactions

    If you experience unexpected charges, this is the most obvious sign. Any purchases you do not recognize, no matter how small, should be investigated. Sometimes, hackers test a card with small charges before making larger purchases. Charges made from locations you never visited are also a red flag.

    2. Account Activity You Don't Recognize

    If your address, email, or phone number has been altered without your knowledge, it could indicate someone is trying to take over your account. If you receive unexpected password reset requests, it might mean someone is trying to access your account.

    Account Activity You Don't Recognize

    3. Suspicious Notifications

    Pay close attention to any notifications about unusual activity on your account. Be cautious of unknown messages asking for your credit card number, PIN, or other sensitive details. Note if you receive calls from individuals claiming to be from your bank and requesting personal information.

    4. Credit Report Anomalies

    Regularly check your credit report for any accounts you do not recognize. Unfamiliar inquiries on your credit report could indicate someone is trying to open accounts in your name. Plus, a sudden drop in your credit score could be a sign of fraudulent activity.

    Immediate Steps You Must Take if Your Credit Card Number is Compromised

    1. Report any suspicious activity to your bank or credit card company as soon as possible.
    2. Update your passwords for all your online accounts.
    3. Check your statements and credit report frequently for any unauthorized activity.
    4. Place a fraud alert or credit freeze.
    5. If you've been a victim of identity theft, file a police report.
    Immediate Steps You Must Take if Your Credit Card Number is Compromised

    Should I Be Worried If My Credit Card Number Is on the Dark Web?

    Yes, you should absolutely be concerned if your credit card number is found on the dark web. It is a red flag and indicates a high risk of fraud. 

    The dark web is a marketplace for stolen data. If your credit card number is there, it means criminals have access to it and could go to any lengths to exploit it.  Your data could be used for unauthorized purchases, online scams, or even sold to other criminals.  

    Should I Be Worried If My Credit Card Number Is on the Dark Web

    Criminals can drain your accounts, open new lines of credit in your name, and cause severe financial damage. Plus, credit card numbers are often sold alongside other personal information, such as your name, address, and social security number, which makes you vulnerable to identity theft, having long-term consequences.

    Use Dark Web Monitoring to Get Alerts About Information Leaks

    Your personal information is a target for hackers and scammers, that will ruin your online identity and finances.

    Imagine losing your hard-earned money, your reputation, and your peace of mind to a cybercriminal.

    With PureVPN, you can scan the Dark Web 24/7 and receive alert notifications whenever someone posts your private information (Email Address, Phone Number, Credit Card Number, SSN, Passport Number). Get instant Dark Web Alerts and the power to stop data breaches dead in their tracks.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    • What happens if my info is on the dark web?

      Plus

      If your info is on the dark web, you could be the next target of financial crimes, identity theft, phishing attempts, and more. Be vigilant and follow proactive privacy practices.

    • How easy is it (really) for thieves to guess a card number?

      Plus

      It's extremely difficult for thieves to randomly guess a full credit card number, expiration date, and CVV. However, they can easily get your credit card number through data breaches, phishing scams, malware, and purchasing stolen credit card data on dark web markets.

    • Can the bank find out who used my credit card online?

      Plus

      Yes, a bank can find out where the transaction occurred, the date, the time of the transaction, and the IP address associated with the transaction. They can also work with law enforcement to follow the digital trail.

    • What if my credit card is on the dark web?

      Plus

      Your financial identity is at risk if your credit card is on the dark web. It can damage your credit score and could lead to identity theft, which might have long-term consequences.

    • How did someone get my debit card info?

      Plus

      Phishing, malware, skimming, and data breaches could expose your debit card information to intruders. To prevent being scammed, stay vigilant.

    Wrap Up

    The fact that your card information is on the dark web means that somewhere, somehow, your information was compromised. This could be due to a large-scale data breach or due to a smaller, more targeted attack. In either case, it shows that your information is vulnerable.