Can credit card thieves obtain your "CVC2" (card validation code) without the card?

the can't 'generate' the number. They MAY be able to obtain it without actually having the card. The most direct method would be to trick you into giving it to them. If you ever used the card on-line, they MAY have gotten the number from the website. If you have ever allowed the card out of your sight, someone could have copied the number. In short, anyone that ever touched your card COULD steal the number.