Carding

[Carding]

Carding is one of the types of fraud, as a result of which attackers gain illegal access to the accounts and funds of the victim through a payment card and its details. The data they need are obtained by cybercriminals using skimmers and POS terminals. Also, malicious programs are used to steal bank card data - viruses, backdoors, Trojans, network worms. In case of loss or theft of a payment card, the owner must immediately notify the credit institution in order to avoid losing money. Cards obtained by criminals as a result of theft or loss are most often used in self-service stores and at car gas stations. The PIN is recorded using small video cameras.

Classification and methods of carding
Fraudsters can illegally use and pay with a card in any online store. This method is the most popular, because in this case it is not possible to enter a PIN-code: only the card number, the name of the holder, and the three-digit code on the back of the card are enough. Often online commerce services (especially foreign ones) do without entering one-time passwords.

You can get payment card data in the following ways:

• Hacking and infecting ATMs
• Infection of POS-terminals (hardware and software systems for receiving payments)
• Skimming
• Phishing

Threat analysis

In order not to become a victim of fraudsters and not to lose money, you need to take precautions when using the card.

• Do not give your card to anyone, do not let go of it at payment points.
• See if there are additional cameras at the top of the ATM, under the visor. They can be disguised as advertising elements.
• Try to withdraw funds from only one bank.
• Cover your hand with your palm when entering your PIN.
• Subscribe to the bank for SMS-informing when debiting funds from the card. Due to the fact that POS terminals can be infected, your card data can be stolen when paying for goods in a store.
• For protection, you can set a limit for daily transfers. In the event of an attempt to steal funds, notify the bank branch immediately.
• Unfortunately, infected ATMs are no longer a rarity. Do not withdraw funds in unfamiliar places.
• Use ATM machines located in bank branches. Do not reply to suspicious messages received by mail, and, of course, in no case send your bank card payment information to anyone.

Only vigilance and thoughtful caution will help the payment card holder avoid cases of carding and save his money.