Your credit card number could have been stolen through several common methods used by criminals:

• Card skimmers or shimmers: Small devices placed on ATMs, gas pumps, or other card readers capture your card's magnetic strip or chip data, allowing thieves to clone your card

• Phishing attacks: Fraudulent emails, texts, or phone calls impersonate trusted organizations to trick you into revealing your credit card information or downloading malware that steals your data

• Public Wi-Fi interception: Using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks can expose your credit card data to hackers who intercept your online transactions or data transmissions

• Physical theft or loss: If your wallet or card is stolen or lost, the thief can use your card directly without needing to steal the number digitally

• Mail theft or dumpster diving: Criminals can steal credit card statements, new cards, or account details from your mailbox or trash if you don’t properly shred sensitive documents

• Data breaches and dark web sales: Hackers obtain credit card numbers from breaches of companies or online services and then sell the stolen data on dark web marketplaces

• RFID skimming: Thieves can use special devices to wirelessly capture information from contactless payment cards if they are close enough

• Malware or spyware on your device: Malicious software like keyloggers can record your keystrokes, including credit card numbers, and send them to hackers

• "Friendly" fraud: Sometimes family members or friends misuse your card or open accounts in your name without permission

These methods illustrate how both physical and digital vulnerabilities can lead to your credit card number being stolen. Monitoring your accounts for unauthorized activity and practicing safe online and offline habits can help reduce the risk