Carding investigation

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Carding investigation is a complex process that requires coordination between various law enforcement agencies, banks, payment systems, and cybersecurity experts. Since carding is often cross-border, the investigation may involve multiple countries and jurisdictions. Let's look at the main stages and methods of carding investigation.

1. Crime detection​

1.1. Signals from banks​

• Banks use monitoring systems to identify suspicious transactions:
  • Unusually large amounts.
  • Operations in unusual places (for example, abroad).
  • Repeated attempts to use the same card.
• If the system detects an anomaly, the bank blocks the card and notifies the owner.

1.2. Customer Complaints​

• Cardholders report unauthorized transactions:
  • Unfamiliar purchases.
  • Lost or stolen cards.
• These complaints become the starting point for an investigation.

1.3. Stores and platforms​

• Sellers may notice suspicious activity:
  • Attempts to pay using counterfeit cards.
  • Requests for delivery of goods to suspicious addresses.

2. Data collection​

2.1. Transaction Analysis​

• Banks and payment systems collect data on all transactions related to a suspicious card:
  • Date and time of the transaction.
  • Location of the transaction (IP address, geolocation).
  • The type of device used for payment.

2.2. Checking CCTV cameras​

• In the case of offline purchases, the police check the recordings from cameras in stores or ATMs:
  • The suspect's face.
  • Use of skimming devices.

2.3. IP address analysis​

• Cybersecurity experts are tracking IP addresses from which suspicious activity was carried out:
  • This helps to determine the location of the intruder.
  • Network traffic analysis tools are used.

2.4. Darknet Research​

• Many carders buy or sell card data through underground forums on the darknet.
• Police are working with Interpol and other organisations to monitor such sites.

3. Identifying suspects​

3.1. Tracking financial flows​

• Stolen funds are often converted into cryptocurrency or transferred to fictitious accounts.
• Experts analyze:
  • Transaction chains.
  • Cryptocurrency wallets.

3.2. Using databases​

• Police use databases to search for information on suspects:
  • Fingerprints.
  • Photos.
  • Data on previous crimes.

3.3. Cooperation with sellers​

• If a carder makes a purchase, police may obtain information from the seller:
  • Delivery address.
  • Contact details.
  • Photographs of the suspect (if he picks up the goods in person).

4. International cooperation​

4.1. Extradition​

• If the suspect is in another country, the police request his extradition.
• This requires the existence of extradition treaties between countries.

4.2. Cooperation with Interpol​

• Interpol helps coordinate the efforts of law enforcement agencies in different countries.
• For example, Interpol can issue "red notices" to search for suspects.

4.3. Sharing Intelligence​

• Specialized agencies (e.g. FBI, Europol) exchange data on cybercriminals.

5. Arrest and trial​

5.1. Detention of the suspect​

• Police conduct searches and detain suspects:
  • Seizure of computers, phones and other devices.
  • Confiscation of skimming devices or counterfeit cards.

5.2. Computer-technical expertise​

• Experts analyze the seized devices:
  • Recover deleted files.
  • Search for transaction or correspondence data.

5.3. Court proceedings​

• The suspects are charged with:
  • Fraud.
  • Hacking.
  • Money laundering.
• The court considers the evidence and makes a verdict.

6. Prevention and protection​

6.1. Employee training​

• Banks and stores train their employees to recognize suspicious activity.

6.2. Strengthening security measures​

• Implementation of technologies such as:
  • 3D Secure.
  • Two-factor authentication.
  • Data encryption.

6.3. Informing citizens​

• People need to know how to protect their data:
  • Do not disclose CVV codes and PIN codes.
  • Use strong passwords.

Example of a successful investigation​

The Case of Roman Seleznev​

• Russian carder Roman Seleznev was arrested in the Maldives and extradited to the United States for stealing credit card data.
• The investigation included:
  • Analysis of transactions worth over $170 million.
  • Track IP addresses and devices.
  • Cooperation with Interpol.
• Sentence: 27 years in prison.

Conclusion​

Investigating carding requires a comprehensive approach that includes technical, analytical and legal methods. A successful investigation depends on:

• Cooperation between banks, law enforcement agencies and international organizations.
• Using modern technologies to track intruders.
• Education and awareness of citizens.

The main conclusion: Carding is a serious crime that requires a professional approach to investigation. The best way to combat it is prevention and improving cybersecurity.