What is so worrying is not just that this information is being sold, but how little it can cost': NordVPN research claims your stolen card details are being sold online for less than a fancy coffee

Date:
Sun, 17 May 2026 10:05:00 +0000

Description:
Payment card information and other forms of ID are being sold on dark web marketplaces for much less than you think.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Bank cards and IDs are easily available, and cheap, on the dark web, NordVPN warns UK citizens are a major target, with their data worth more The best fix is to secure your online accounts We already know about the risks of using the internet, and how basic cybersecurity hygiene principles can do a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to keeping you safe, but NordVPN has revealed exactly what happens with your data after its been stolen.

The companys research found stolen UK payment card details are now being commonly sold on dark web marketplaces for around 9 (around $12), with full more complete digital identity packs being sold for around 30 ($40). Among
the most commonly sold pieces of information are payment cards, digital passport copies (26), digital driving licence copies (26) and full bundles of the above and more. Latest Videos From You may like How much is your digital identity worth? NordVPN's new tool reveals the true price of identity theft Google killed its dark web scanner, but NordVPNs upgraded tool is here to
fill the void Looking for a holiday bargain? Don't get caught out experts warn of dark web travel agencies using stolen credit cards to buy hotels, flights, and more Criminals buying bits of information here and there Perhaps the most concerning finding isnt the existence of these marketplaces and the fact that personal, sensitive information is so easily accessible, but rather how cheaply criminals can acquire enough information to commit fraud.

When people hear that stolen data is selling for the price of a coffee, it
can sound almost trivial, CTO Marijus Briedis wrote - as for such a small amount of money, criminals can go on to commit identity theft, account takeovers, credit application and loan fraud, phishing campaigns and more.

The company also noted that UK consumers are among the most valuable, with payment card data priced slightly above the European median and identity documents coming in with comparatively high prices.

However, the company worries it is becoming increasingly hard to become aware of an attack as identity theft becomes more quiet and incremental. Small pieces of leaked information end up being combined to form a bigger picture, leading to larger identity profiles. Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed! Contact me
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Most people still think identity theft is something dramatic and obvious,
when in fact it can begin quietly, with a few personal details or copied documents being traded online, Briedis added. How to stay safe online To help consumers understand the threat, NordVPN has launched an interactive dark web calculator to quantify how much an individuals data could be worth based on the online accounts and digital identities they hold, and their country of origin.

On the site, the company explains regular personal emails can go for as
little as $1, while more valuable corporate accounts tend to command a higher price on dark web marketplaces because of how they can give attackers access to sensitive company systems. What to read next Google killed its dark web scanner, but NordVPNs upgraded tool is here to fill the void 'Cybercriminals are industrializing deception': new report reveals how major global
cybercrime syndicates have infiltrated trusted domains with millions now at risk - here's what you need to know Eurail confirms stolen traveler data is
on sale in the dark web - and it still doesn't know who is behind the attack

As for social media, Meta-owned platforms are among the most attractive
purely because of the companys dominance within the market. A single login could afford an attacker access to multiple accounts across Facebook, Instagram, Threads and more.

Setting out a series of solutions for consumers, NordVPN suggests using
unique passwords for every account with multi-factor authentication on top. Replacing traditional passwords with passkeys is a big win for consumers, because they cant be stolen and copied from password managers and the underlying technology relies on matching an account with your device.

Reviewing bank statements frequently to spot unexpected charges can also help identify attacks NordVPN plugged its own Dark Web Monitor as a similar type of tool that alerts users when sensitive personal data hits a dodgy marketplace.

The earlier people understand what their data is worth and how exposed they may be, the better chance they have of protecting themselves, Briedis concluded. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source
to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



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