<prompt> Human: Really sorry if this is the wrong sub. Please direct me to the right place if it is because I would like this question answered.I was buying breakfast just now at an airport when my card got declined. Confused, I checked my online statement and I have 300 dollars in charges that I didnt recognize. They date back about three days ago. I googled the information provided near the charge like how itll say CVS MIAMI 0000xxx or whatever and theyre charges being made at gas stations. How are they using my card like that if I have it here with me? I called immediately and had my account blocked so its not an issue anymore but Im just curious as to how this was done.edit: Thanks so much to everyone for the explanations, especially usir_not_sir . Also thanks to everyone sharing stories. Hopefully getting the money back will be painless. I genuinely thought that credit cards were somehow more secure than things like hotel cards so that getting a card writer for credit cards was not possible.If for whatever reason my ignorance is quite personally frustrating for you, perhaps you may enjoy reading this.  <response>: Here is a pretty interesting video of how it is done. 