Kaardivõltsimine

Kaardivõltsimine is an Estonian term that translates to "card forgery" or "card fraud." It refers to the illegal act of creating or using counterfeit cards, typically credit cards, debit cards, or identity cards. This can involve replicating the magnetic stripe, barcode, or embedded chip of a legitimate card to make unauthorized transactions or gain illicit access to services.

The process of card forgery often begins with obtaining stolen cardholder data. This data can be acquired through various methods, including phishing scams, skimming devices attached to point-of-sale terminals or ATMs, data breaches, or malware. Once the data is obtained, it can be encoded onto a blank magnetic stripe or chip, which is then typically affixed to a counterfeit card. These forged cards are then used to make purchases, withdraw cash, or otherwise impersonate the legitimate cardholder.

The consequences of card forgery can be severe for both individuals and businesses. Victims may suffer financial losses, identity theft, and damage to their credit score. Businesses can experience chargeback fees, loss of revenue, and damage to their reputation. Law enforcement agencies actively investigate and prosecute individuals involved in card forgery due to its significant economic impact and its association with other criminal activities. Technological advancements in card security, such as EMV chips and multi-factor authentication, aim to reduce the prevalence of card forgery, but criminals continue to adapt their methods.