Hy-Vee Cards Stolen in Recent Data Breach Are Fetching a Higher Price on Dark Web Websites

Dark web websites contain a lot of stolen information, and that now includes Hy-Vee cards selling at unusually high prices. When an identity thief steals your information, you might be surprised to discover how little you are actually worth, at least when it comes to posting your data for sale on dark web websites. Hackers often fetch as little as $1 apiece for complete identities, largely because they can sell them to multiple people and because they often upload entire databases containing thousands of identities at a time.

However, a recent data breach shows an alarming departure from the ordinary. Hy-Vee stores suffered a breach in which customers’ credit card information was stolen, and these and other Hy-Vee cards are now appearing on dark web websites for as much as $17 to $35 each. What brought on such an unheard-of price increase?

First, these Hy-Vee cards are verified to work. Unlike phony cards or even ones that were stolen from your wallet, for example, this is a massive trove of card numbers that were used recently. If they were listed for sale on dark web websites before Hy-Vee was notified of a breach, then there would have been no reason for the cardholders to cancel them. Even if a client bought a hundred or a thousand sets of card numbers, some of the Hy-Vee cards should still be working.

Security experts say that credit cards have begun fetching a higher price overall recently, possibly due to the ability to use a credit card online before even paying the thief who stole them, just to prove they still work. From there, criminals use the cards to buy high-priced items that they can sell for a quick profit on dark web websites.

Remember, if you receive a data breach notification letter, it is important that you take it seriously. Follow the steps outlined in the letter and contact your credit card company immediately if your card was affected.

Contact the Identity Theft Resource Center for toll-free, no-cost assistance at 888.400.5530. For on-the-go assistance, check out the free ID Theft Help App from ITRC.

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