Hierarchy, structure and formation of carders

Carders usually operate within criminal communities or individually, but their activities are often organized according to a certain hierarchy and structure. Let's consider how the carding system is structured, what roles the participants play, as well as the educational aspects that help them master this field.

1. Hierarchy in the world of carding​

The carding community has a complex structure, where each participant plays a role. Here are the main levels of this hierarchy:

1.1. Newbies (script kiddies)​

• Description: People who are just starting to get into carding.
• Role:
  • They use ready-made tools (for example, skimmers, phishing scripts).
  • They buy card data on the darknet for testing.
  • They often make mistakes, which leads to quick exposure.
• Education: Basics of programming, basic knowledge of payment systems.

1.2. Data Collection Specialists​

• Description: Responsible for obtaining bank card data.
• Methods:
  • Installation of skimming devices on ATMs.
  • Injection of malicious scripts into websites (web skimmers).
  • Phishing attacks via email or social networks.
• Education: Deep knowledge of security technologies, hacking methods and social engineering.

1.3. Technical specialists (hackers)​

• Description: Highly qualified members who provide technical support.
• Role:
  • Development and implementation of malware.
  • Creating bots to automate attacks.
  • Bypassing security systems.
• Education: Programming, networking, cryptography, vulnerability analysis.

1.4. Distributors (resellers)​

• Description: Sells stolen card data to other community members.
• Role:
  • They post ads on forums on the darknet.
  • They organize transactions through anonymous channels.
• Education: Knowledge of the principles of the darknet, cryptocurrencies, and anonymous services.

1.5. Organizers (group leaders)​

• Description: Coordinate the actions of the entire team.
• Role:
  • Distribution of tasks between participants.
  • Control over finances.
  • Minimizing the risks of exposure.
• Education: Management skills, strategic thinking, understanding of legal aspects.

1.6. "Mullahs" (money mules)​

• Description: People who use stolen cards to make purchases or withdraw money.
• Role:
  • Receive goods or cash into their accounts.
  • They transfer funds further down the chain.
• Education: Minimal knowledge, often unaware of consequences.

2. Structure of the carding community​

Carding groups can be organized in different ways, but most often they have the following elements:

2.1. Centralized Groups​

• Description: A clear hierarchy where leaders control all participants.
• Examples:
  • Organized crime groups.
  • International syndicates.

2.2. Decentralized Communities​

• Description: Members work independently but collaborate through darknet forums.
• Examples:
  • Individual hackers.
  • Resellers selling card data.

2.3. Hybrid models​

• Description: A combination of centralized and decentralized approaches.
• Examples:
  • Leaders coordinate large operations, but smaller participants act independently.

3. Formation of carders​

To become a carder, a person must have certain knowledge and skills. Here are the main sources of education for carders:

3.1. Self-education​

• Internet resources:
  • Darknet forums (e.g., Exploit, RaidForums).
  • YouTube channels with educational videos.
  • Blogs and articles about cybersecurity.
• Self-study:
  • Programming (Python, JavaScript, PHP).
  • Working with networks and protocols.
  • Fundamentals of cryptography.

3.2. Training in criminal communities​

• Teaching:
  • Experienced carders teach beginners.
  • Exchange of experiences in closed forums.
• Practice:
  • Beginners start with small operations.
  • Gradually move on to more complex tasks.

3.3. Formal Education​

• Some carders have a technical background:
  • IT specialties (programming, cybersecurity).
  • Economy and finance.
• They use their knowledge for illegal activities.

3.4. Using legal courses​

• Carders can take cybersecurity courses to:
  • Learn protection methods.
  • Learn to bypass security systems.

4. How carders improve their skills​

4.1. Error Analysis​

• After unsuccessful operations, carders study their mistakes:
  • Why were they caught?
  • How could one avoid exposure?

4.2. Following trends​

• Carders are constantly monitoring new technologies:
  • Security updates.
  • The emergence of new attack methods.

4.3. Practice​

• The more practice, the higher the level of skill:
  • Testing new tools.
  • Participation in joint operations.

5. Ethical aspect​

Although carders develop their skills, it is important to remember that their activities are illegal. Many of them could use their knowledge for legitimate work, such as:

• Cybersecurity.
• Software development.
• Consulting companies on data protection.

Conclusion​

The carding community has a clear hierarchy and structure, where each member fulfills their role. The education of carders includes both self-education and training in criminal circles. However, it is important to understand that using these skills for illegal activities can lead to serious consequences.

The main conclusion: The best way to use your technical skills is to use them for legal purposes. Cybersecurity and technology development are areas where such knowledge will be in demand and will benefit society.

Carding, as an illegal activity, has its own internal hierarchy, structure and "training" methods that allow participants to effectively interact and adapt to changes in technology and legislation. Here are the main aspects:

Carder hierarchy​

Within carding communities, there is a clear hierarchy that defines the roles and responsibilities of the participants:

1. Organizers (leaders):
   • This is the top of the hierarchy. They manage large schemes, organize groups and provide access to stolen data.
   • Leaders often remain in the shadows, minimizing the risk of being caught.
2. Programmers and hackers:
   • These specialists are engaged in hacking databases, creating malware and phishing sites to obtain bank card data.
3. Drops:
   • People who provide their bank accounts or addresses to receive stolen funds or goods. Often these are hired people who do not realize the seriousness of their actions.
4. Beginners (students):
   • Newcomers who are just starting out in carding are often "trained" by more experienced participants. They perform simple tasks, such as testing stolen cards.

Structure of carding communities​

Carding groups are organized as closed communities with clear rules and limited access:

1. Forums and chats:
   • The main platform for communication between carders is specialized forums and messengers (for example, Telegram or darknet forums). Here, schemes are discussed, card data is sold, and "lessons" are shared.
2. Roles and specialization:
   • Each member has a role to play, from hacking to cashing out funds. This allows the group to work efficiently and minimize risks.
3. Trust system:
   • There is a strict system of trust within the communities. Newcomers must prove their trustworthiness before gaining access to more valuable resources.

Carder Education​

Carders learn through practice and sharing experiences within communities. Here's how it works:

1. "Lessons" on carding forums:
   • Specialized forums publish instructions and guides on how to use stolen data, create phishing sites, and bypass security systems.
2. Mentoring:
   • Experienced carders often take newbies under their wing, teaching them the basics and helping them avoid mistakes.
3. Knowledge testing:
   • Newcomers may be required to complete test tasks, such as successfully using a stolen card to make a purchase.
4. Adaptation to technology:
   • Carders are constantly studying new security technologies to find vulnerabilities. This includes studying how banking systems work, cryptography, and anonymization methods.

Conclusion​

Carding is a complex and organized activity with a clear hierarchy, structure and "training" system. However, it is important to remember that it is an illegal activity that causes enormous damage to both individuals and financial institutions. Combating carding requires joint efforts by law enforcement, banks and users.