Whom does the term "counterfeit card" refer to?

The term "counterfeit card" refers specifically to a card that has been fraudulently created to resemble a legitimate credit card. This means that the counterfeit card is not issued by a legitimate financial institution but rather made with the intent to deceive. These cards typically mimic the design and attributes of real cards, including logos and security features, but they are unauthorized and used for fraudulent transactions.

In the context of payment processing and fraud prevention, distinguishing between a counterfeit card and other types of cards is crucial. Genuine cards are officially issued by banks, and cards that are expired or reported as lost or stolen do not fit the definition of counterfeit. A genuine credit card is legitimate and allowed for use; an expired card is not valid for transactions; and lost or stolen cards are typically flagged by the issuing bank, but they are not created unlawfully. Understanding this distinction helps businesses and consumers better protect themselves from fraud and manage their transactions securely.