Features of carding in the USA

[chushpan]

Carding in the US has its own unique features, due to the specifics of the financial system, legislation and culture of using bank cards. Although security technologies in the US are constantly evolving, this region remains one of the main targets for carders due to the high popularity of credit cards, the widespread use of e-commerce and the presence of vulnerabilities in payment systems. Let's consider the main aspects of carding in the US.

1. Popularity of credit cards​

In the US, credit cards are the main method of payment:

• According to research, more than 70% of transactions in the United States are made using credit or debit cards.
• This creates a huge field for fraudsters, as the details of millions of cards are in circulation.

a) Magnetic stripes​

• Despite the introduction of EMV (Chip-and-PIN) chips, many US terminals still support magnetic stripes.
• Fraudsters can use stolen data to create clones of magnetic stripe cards.

b) Contactless payments​

• Contactless payments are actively developing in the USA (for example, Apple Pay, Google Pay).
• However, attackers can exploit vulnerabilities in NFC technology to intercept data.

2. Delay in EMV implementation​

Although the EMV standard was adopted in the US, its implementation was slower than in Europe:

• Many retailers and small businesses still use older terminals that do not support chips.
• This makes the US more vulnerable to magnetic stripe attacks.

3. Data leaks​

The US remains one of the biggest targets for hackers, resulting in massive data leaks:

• Examples: Attacks on Target (2013), Home Depot (2014), Equifax (2017).
• Stolen data is often sold on darknet forums.

a) Darknet markets​

• On the darknet you can buy databases of cards (CVV, numbers, expiration dates) at low prices:
  • Basic card data: $5–$10.
  • Full details (with address and CVV): $20–$50.

b) Testing cards​

• Carders often test stolen cards on small purchases (such as subscriptions to streaming services) or through special checkers.

4. Features of legislation​

The United States has strict anti-carding laws, but enforcement can be difficult due to the scale of the problem.

a) Federal laws​

• Carding is considered fraud and is punishable under laws such as the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA).
• Fines and prison terms can reach decades.

b) Complexity of investigations​

• The anonymity of the darknet and the use of cryptocurrencies make it difficult for law enforcement to track carders.
• However, organizations such as the FBI and the Secret Service are actively fighting cybercrime.

5. Popular Carding Methods in the USA​

a) Skimming​

• Hackers install skimming devices on ATMs or POS terminals to intercept card data.
• In the US, compact Bluetooth skimmers are particularly popular because they are easy to install and control remotely.

b) Phishing​

• Scammers create fake websites or send fake emails on behalf of popular companies (e.g. Amazon, Walmart, PayPal).
• Purpose: To obtain card data and personal information of victims.

c) Vulnerabilities in POS systems​

• Many restaurants, hotels and stores use vulnerable POS systems that become targets for hackers.
• Example: Attacks on restaurant chains where data from thousands of cards was stolen.

d) Darknet and cryptocurrencies​

• Cryptocurrencies (eg Bitcoin, Monero) are used for anonymous payments between carders.
• Darknet forums offer ready-made tools for carding (for example, checkers, CVV generators).

6. Features of the carding market in the USA​

a) High cost of data​

• American cards are cheaper than European cards because of the larger volume of offers.
• However, premium cards (such as American Express Platinum) may cost more.

b) Popularity of e-commerce​

• Americans are increasingly shopping online, making them more vulnerable to carding.
• Fraudsters often test cards on popular sites (Amazon, eBay, Walmart).

c) Preference for large forums​

• In the US, carders prefer large darknet forums such as BriansClub, Joker's Stash and Rescator.

7. How do Americans protect themselves from carding?​

a) User education​

• Banks and the government are running awareness campaigns about carding and phishing.
• Example: Information on how to recognize suspicious websites or emails.

b) Technological solutions​

• Using tokenization to protect card data.
• Implementation of transaction monitoring systems to identify suspicious activity.

c) Quick blocking of cards​

• American banks offer quick ways to block cards through mobile apps or hotlines.

8. Examples of famous cases of carding in the USA​

a) Target Attack (2013)​

• Hackers stole data from over 40 million cards through compromised POS terminals.
• The damage amounted to hundreds of millions of dollars.

b) Home Depot attack (2014)​

• The criminals introduced malware into the company's POS systems.
• Data from 56 million cards stolen .

c) BriansClub​

• One of the largest darknet stores where American card data was sold.
• In 2019, the database was stolen and handed over to law enforcement agencies.

9. Tips to protect yourself from carding in the USA​

a) For users​

• Always check the URL before entering your card details.
• Use complex passwords and two-factor authentication.
• Check your account statements regularly for suspicious transactions.

b) For companies​

• Protect customer data with encryption and tokenization.
• Comply with PCI DSS standards.
• Train employees in the basics of cybersecurity.

10. Conclusion​

Carding in the US remains a serious problem due to the high popularity of credit cards, widespread use of magnetic stripes, and massive data breaches. However, advances in technology (e.g., EMV, tokenization) and law enforcement efforts are helping to reduce fraud. To protect yourself from carding, it is important to follow security rules, monitor new threats, and cooperate with banks and law enforcement.

If you have any additional questions about carding in the US, please write!

 

[Man]

Features of carding in the USA (2025)​

The US remains one of the most attractive targets for carders due to the peculiarities of the payment system, but in recent years, protection has been significantly strengthened. Here are the key features:

1. Lagging behind in EMV adoption​

• Magnetic stripes are still used (unlike in Europe where EMV chips dominate).
• EMV chips are available, but not everywhere (especially in old terminals, gas stations).
• Skimming remains relevant, but is more difficult due to anti-skimming technologies.

→ Where is the weak spot?

• Petrol stations and small shops often use old terminals.
• Hotels and car rentals - sometimes take a copy of the card when booking.

2. Types of attacks in the USA​

Skimming + PIN theft​

• How? Installing skimmers in ATMs, terminals.
• Where? Gas stations, vending machines, street ATMs.
• Complexity: High (many cameras, sensors in ATMs).

Cards not present (CNP Fraud)​

• How? Phishing, database leaks (e.g. online store hacks).
• Where? Online payments (especially expensive goods: electronics, airline tickets).
• Difficulty: Medium (needs beans, proxies, SOCKS5).

Processing attacks (BIN attacks)​

• How? Selection of working BIN ranges of banks.
• Where? Online payments, subscriptions (Netflix, Spotify).
• Difficulty: Low (but quickly blocked).

3. Defense in the USA (2024)​

Technologies​

• EMV chips (gradually replacing magnetic stripes).
• Tokenization (Apple Pay, Google Pay – replace real card data).
• AI fraud monitoring (algorithms block suspicious transactions in 2-3 seconds).

Legal measures​

• The FACTA Act requires banks to return money to victims.
• Cooperation with FBI, Secret Service – fast search for carders.
• Extradition – The US is actively seeking the extradition of hackers from other countries.

4. Statistics (FBI, 2025)​

• Attack success rate: ~3% (versus 15% in 2015).
• Average damage: $2,500 per card (previously $2,500 per card (previously $10,000+).
• Detection times: 87% of cases are investigated within 1-3 months.

Risks for carders​

• High chance of getting caught (FBI tracks chains through Coinbase, Binance).
• Prison sentences of up to 20 years for bank fraud.
• Cryptocurrency confiscation (via Chainalysis).

Conclusion​

Carding in the US is still possible, but:
Requires deep knowledge (bypassing AML, working with crypto).
Very risky (FBI, AI analytics, blocking).
Less profitable (compared to the 2010s).

Alternative?
Legal earnings in cybersecurity (up to $200k/year in the US).
BugBounty (up to $500k for vulnerabilities).

Want to learn about legal ways to protect yourself from carding? Ready to help!

 

[Cloned Boy]

1. Technological environment​

• The US has a highly developed digital infrastructure, which creates both opportunities and challenges for carders.
• The widespread use of online transactions and e-commerce increases the risk of fraud

2. Carding methods​

• Phishing and Social Engineering: The Main Ways to Obtain Card Data
• Using complex technological schemes to bypass security systems
• Attacks on databases of large corporations and financial institutions

3. Legal regulation​

• Strict Federal Cybercrime Laws
• High fines and long prison terms for carding
• Active cooperation between law enforcement agencies and IT companies

4. Defense mechanisms​

• Multi-level security system for banking transactions
• The widespread use of EMV chips
• Advanced systems for monitoring suspicious transactions

5. Features of the "black market"​

• Developed infrastructure for shadow data exchange
• Using cryptocurrencies for anonymous payments
• The High Cost of Stolen Card Data

6. Trends​

• The ever-increasing sophistication of fraud schemes
• Rise of cybercrime amid digitalization
• Adaptation of carders to new technological solutions

Important: Carding remains a serious threat to the financial security of US citizens, despite advanced protection systems.