What do credit card numbers mean and how to avoid a cloned card?

Each credit card number has its reason for being and falling into the wrong hands can cause a lot of headaches.

You may have already noticed that every credit card has a numerical sequence separated by some spaces. But, do you know what credit card numbers mean?

Although the sequence seems random and no sense, credit card numbers follow pre-established rules, so that they are capable of transmitting a series of information when you make a purchase. The truth is that each 'little number' in the plastic has a function of being. And this function is exactly what you will discover next.

What do the card numbers mean?

When a new card is issued by a financial institution, the numbers that are marked on the plastic are created according to the rules of the ISO, by law 7.812 of 1989. Thus, the first 6 digits refer to the flag and the issuing institution. The flag, in this case, is represented by the first digit, namely:

• Mastercard: 5
• Visa: 4
• Link: 5 or 6
• American Express: 3

They are easy to identify even virtually. You may have already noticed that when you have to enter your card number in an online store, right at the beginning of typing, the flag is automatically recognized with an icon right in front of it.

From the 2nd to the 6th digit we have the representation of issuing institution, being: Caixa, Santander, BB, Bradesco, Itaú etc. As for the next next 9 digits, we have the account and the respective customer to which the credit card belongs.

Last but not least, the last digit respects a formula constructed in 1954 by Hans Peter Luhn, a renowned engineer. The digit corresponds to a verification number.

O verifying digit it would then be a number constructed from the other numbers. So if a number on your credit card were different than it is, the last digit would be too. Therefore, when a number is entered incorrectly for a purchase, the check digit is not validated.

What is the verification code?

It is important not to confuse a check digit with a verification code. As we said earlier, the check digit is the last number in the 16-digit numerical sequence. In the old days, it was on the front of the card, but for security reasons, on more modern cards, we find it on the back.

The verification code is on the back of the plastic, consisting of 3 digits. It is also known as CVC or check value.

It should be noted that the verification code never meet embossed on the front. That's because its function is to be an extra security barrier. But, as you well know, in physical purchases the digit is not required, but only in online purchases. The request is important because it validates the act of having the card in hand.

Currently, many technologies are being developed to increase security when purchasing with a credit card. That's because many criminals are managing to clone credit cards or even manage to make purchases with the stolen card even before cancellation.

How to prevent the card from being cloned?

We don't even need to say what a inconvenience it is to have a cloned credit card, do we? In addition to the compromised credit limit and invoice, the search for reversal of undue purchases can cause headaches. To avoid this, you can follow some basic precautions. First, avoid sharing your card with third parties. After all, you never know the true intentions of use.

Also, avoid taking pictures of the card and sharing it on WhatsApp. Think about the following: the photos sent by the social network are stored. So, if your cell phone is stolen, anyone can have access to your card number. So avoid.

Another tip is to protect your credit card number series with masking tape and remove the verification code from the plastic with a staple extractor. But, remember to write it down before removal.

And finally, every time you think about making an online purchase, make sure that the site is reliable and that data is secure. Also, never save your card number on your computer during the purchase.

Ready! Now you know what credit card numbers mean and what ways to protect yourself from a possible scam. Share this publication with other friends, so that we can bring more useful information to a greater number of people.