A legal analysis of fines, penalties, and international law enforcement cooperation
Introduction: The Cost of Mistakes
Many novice carders consider carding a "low-risk business" — after all, no one sees their face, and Bitcoin is supposedly anonymous. But in reality,
carding is one of the most dangerous forms of cybercrime because it falls under
three powerful legal regimes: the DPPA (US), the CFAA (US), and the PCI DSS (international standard).
These laws create a
legal trap,
the penalties are harsh, and
international prosecution is possible.
In this article, we will provide an
in-depth legal analysis of each law, their implications, and how law enforcement agencies use them together to catch even the most cautious carders.
Part 1: DPPA — Driver Data Protection Act (18 U.S. Code § 2721)
What does it prohibit?
- Obtaining, using, or disclosing personal information from DMV records (including name, address, telephone number, VIN) without permission.
Punishment
- Civil liability: up to $2,500 per violation,
- Criminal liability: up to 5 years in prison,
- Class Action Lawsuits: Victims may file a class action lawsuit.
How it applies to carding
Even if you
didn't hack the DMV, but used the
VIN or cardholder's address (such as for an AVS), you are automatically subject to the DPPA.
Part 2: CFAA — Computer Abuse Act (18 U.S. Code § 1030)
What does it prohibit?
- Unauthorized access to a “protected computer” (including banks, payment gateways, online stores),
- Transfer of data for the purpose of fraud.
Punishment
| Violation | Punishment |
|---|
| Basic (§1030(a)(2)) | Up to 5 years in prison |
| With damages >$5,000 (§1030(c)(3)) | Up to 10 years in prison |
| With damages >$50,000 (§1030(c)(4)) | Up to 20 years in prison |
How it applies to carding
Any attempt to use someone else's card through the website constitutes
unauthorized access to a secure computer (payment gateway).
Part 3: PCI DSS – Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard
What is this?
- Not a law, but an international security standard, mandatory for all participants in the payment system (banks, merchants, processing centers).
Consequences of violation
- Financial penalties: up to $500,000/month for merchants,
- Loss of license: exclusion from Visa/Mastercard,
- Mandatory reporting: All fraudulent transactions are automatically reported to FinCEN.
How it catches carders
When you make a fraudulent transaction:
- The merchant is obliged to report it to the bank.
- Bank files SAR (Suspicious Activity Report) with FinCEN,
- FinCEN shares data with FBI IC3,
- The investigation begins within 72 hours.
Statistics (2026):
- 100% of fraudulent transactions >$500 generate SAR,
- 45% of SARs result in criminal prosecution.
Part 4: International Cooperation – How to Be Found Abroad
Global Stalking Network
| Agency | Role |
|---|
| FBI IC3 (USA) | Central Cybercrime Hub |
| Europol EC3 (EU) | Coordination in Europe |
| RCMP (Canada) | Financial fraud investigation |
| Interpol | Issuing Red Notices |
How extradition works
- The FBI receives a SAR with your IP and device,
- Subpoena on ISP → getting your name/address,
- If you are outside the US → request extradition through Interpol,
- Most countries (including Canada, the EU, Australia) have extradition treaties with the United States.
Part 5: Why Carding Isn't Economically Profitable
Risk vs. Reward Calculation
| Parameter | Meaning |
|---|
| Average income from successful carding | $350 |
| Probability of arrest (2 years) | 15–20% |
| Average prison sentence | 5–8 years |
| Loss of career | Life imprisonment |
| Legal expenses | $50,000–$200,000 |
Conclusion:
The expected value of carding is negative.
Even one successful year does not compensate for the risk.
Conclusion: Legal Wall
The DPPA, CFAA, and PCI DSS aren't just "laws." They're a
three-layered trap:
- DPPA catches you using personal data,
- CFAA catches you accessing systems,
- PCI DSS ensures that every step you take is documented and reported.
Final thought:
In 2026, carding isn't a high-profit crime.
An OPSEC breach is a ticket to potential legal trouble.
Stay within the law. Stay free.
And remember:
real profit is that which doesn't end behind bars.
