Technology |  5 Minutes Reading

Easily Find Credit Card Numbers in Files for Investigating Cyber Fraud

Forensic investigation of digital assets or information plays a crucial role in unearthing evidence to solve cyber fraud. One of the key areas of investigation involves tracing financial transactions. Since credit cards provide valuable information on cybercrime, they are often at the center of such investigations. However, during a digital forensics investigation, investigators deal with piles of files, which makes it challenging to spot the exact data they were looking for. Thus, this article sheds light on the No.1 forensics investigation tool – MailXaminer – and how it can help find credit card numbers in files.

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Before delving deeper into discussing the tool, let’s first understand where can investigators find the card details and what’s the significance of finding credit card numbers for an investigation.

Different Files Where Investigators Can Find Credit Card Numbers

Credit card numbers can be found in different types of files. The presence of the credit card details in these files may be intentional or unintentional. Accessing them without consent could be considered illegal.

Let’s take a look at those files.

• Text Files – sometimes people store their credit card details in Notepad for future reference and usually these are in an unencrypted state.
• Excel Sheets – Often individuals and organizations maintain their financial information in MS Excel or CSV.
• Database – It’s a rare case but investigators may find credit card numbers in database files including those in SQL format.
• Doc Files – In terms of reports, invoices, or other financial documents, these may contain credit card numbers.
• PDF Files – When people purchase anything the invoice is usually generated in PDF format. Whether the purchase is authorized or unauthorized, investigators may find credit card numbers in these files.
• Emails – Sometimes financial statements are shared via email communication. So, the credit card numbers can be found in the body or in the attachments of an email.
• Archive Files – Compressed files can also contain the required financial details.
• Web Cache – While making online purchases, users have a habit of saving their cards. So, if the criminal has done the same then there is a pretty good chance of finding compromised credit card details in the web cache.
• Backup Files – These files include different types of data. Hence, if the forensic investigators dig deeper then they may find credit card numbers from here.

Importance of Credit Card Number Investigation

Cybercriminals mostly target credit cards to carry out illegal and unauthorized financial transactions. Thus, credit card numbers are an essential component in any digital investigation. They help investigators in many ways. Such as;

1. Detecting Financial Fraud – Credit card numbers are directly linked to financial transactions. So, analyzing them can lead to fraudulent activities. From there, it becomes easier to trace the flow of the fund and discover the unauthorized transaction pattern.
2. Finding Identity Theft Crimes – Mostly cybercriminals steal credit cards to attempt identity theft attacks. Thus, from these cards, they can track the creation of fake accounts.
3. Victim Identification – When investigating a fraudulent financial transaction, examiners can trace the digital footprint of the victim. Also, it can help them establish connections between suspects and illegal financial activities.
4. Timeline Reconstruction of Financial Transaction – When credit cards are used they leave transaction timestamps behind which can help investigators reconstruct timelines of financial activities. 
5. Establishing the Link Between Digital & Financial Evidence – When forensic specialists find credit card numbers in files, they can connect a bridge between digital evidence and financial records. In return, it helps them narrow down the case.
6. Fraud Pattern Recognition – When investigation is done on credit card numbers, it can help the analysts find patterns in their usage. They can come to a conclusion about how the card information is exploited and who might be the culprit. 
7. Legal Court Admissibility – When statements related to financial transactions involving credit cards are put together correctly, hold legal weight as admissible evidence in court.

No.1 Forensic Tool for Finding Credit Card Numbers in Files

The tool mentioned earlier is a recognized email forensic investigation tool designed to simplify and enhance the investigation process. It’s trusted by law enforcement agencies and countless digital forensics professionals around the globe. The software is capable of doing various advanced operations in the forensics area. And, it can certainly uncover and help you find credit card numbers in files especially those that are hidden within electronic communication and attachments.

Let’s have a look at the working of the software.

Step 1. Install the software on your device and open it.

Step 2. Enter the credentials and log in.

Step 3. Create a case by filling in the necessary details.

Step 4. Now, add evidence files where you want to find credit card numbers.

Step 5. Apply the required configuration settings and proceed further.

Step 6. Then comes the important part. Applying various searches and filters. For the same, click on different filter tabs as shown in the picture.

Step 7. Preview the details from the file you added for analysis.

Step 8. Finally, export your findings in court admissibility format.

Conclusion

Digital forensics investigators tend to find credit card numbers in files in the hope of identifying the culprit behind the fraudulent financial transactions. Having a powerful tool by their side would add an extra layer of assurance in uncovering the hidden information in those cards for solving the case. Hence, we suggested a tool that serves as an allrounder in the field of forensic investigation. Try the tool now and unearth the crucial evidence!