Friends of carders

[chushpan]

Carders tend to live an isolated life, as their activities involve a high level of risk and illegal activities. However, they may have certain social circles that can be conventionally called "friends." These connections are formed within criminal communities or among like-minded people who share their worldview. Let's consider who can be "friends" of carders, how they interact and how these relationships affect their lives.

1. Who are the "friends" of carders?​

1.1. Other carders​

• Description: The most like-minded people.
• Role:
  • Exchange of experience and tools.
  • Joint operations (e.g. installing skimmers or selling data).
  • Support in difficult times.

1.2. Hackers and programmers​

• Description: Specialists providing technical support.
• Role:
  • Development of malware.
  • Search for vulnerabilities in systems.
  • Creating tools to bypass protection.

1.3. Darknet participants​

• Description: Sellers and buyers on underground forums.
• Role:
  • Trading in stolen data.
  • Exchange of information on new attack methods.
  • Organization of transactions through cryptocurrencies.

1.4. "Mullahs" (money mules)​

• Description: People using stolen cards to withdraw money.
• Role:
  • Assistance in cashing out funds.
  • Transfer money to other countries or wallets.

1.5. Criminal groups​

• Description: Organized crime groups, sometimes collaborating with carders.
• Role:
  • Providing resources and protection.
  • Money laundering through legitimate businesses.

2. How are relationships built between carders and their "friends"?​

2.1. Anonymity and distrust​

• Carders rarely reveal their identity even to friends:
  • Using pseudonyms.
  • Minimizing contacts in real life.
  • Constantly testing trust.

2.2 Mutual Benefit​

• Relationships are often built on the principle of "you to me - I to you":
  • Exchange of card data.
  • Joint scams.
  • Protecting each other from law enforcement.

2.3. Communication via the Internet​

• Most contacts take place online:
  • Darknet forums.
  • Chats in Telegram, Discord or Jabber.
  • Encrypted messages.

2.4. Conflicts and betrayals​

• In criminal circles, disagreements often arise:
  • Fraud among carders.
  • Betrayal for the sake of gain.
  • Competition for resources.

3. How do "friends" influence the lives of carders?​

3.1. Support and motivation​

• "Friends" can support carders:
  • Tips for improving skills.
  • Emotional support in stressful situations.
  • Help in solving technical problems.

3.2. Increased risks​

• Friendship in the criminal world increases the likelihood of exposure:
  • Exposure through friends.
  • Betrayal or surveillance.
  • Information leak.

3.3. Expanding Possibilities​

• "Friends" help carders scale their operations:
  • New channels for data sales.
  • Access to more sophisticated tools.
  • Ability to work in a team.

4. Examples of relationships between carders and their "friends"​

4.1. Closed forums​

• On darknet forums, carders communicate with other participants:
  • Exchange of experience.
  • Buying and selling data.
  • Discussion of new attack methods.

4.2. Joint Operations​

• Carders often team up to carry out large-scale scams:
  • Installation of skimming devices.
  • Withdrawing money through "mullahs".
  • Money laundering through cryptocurrencies.

4.3. Betrayals and arrests​

• Sometimes "friends" become the reason for exposure:
  • Informants pass on data to law enforcement agencies.
  • Fraudsters deceive their colleagues.

5. Problems of such "friendly" relationships​

5.1. Distrust​

• In the criminal world, true friendship rarely exists:
  • Constant fear of betrayal.
  • The need to check each participant.

5.2. Legal consequences​

• Being friends with carders can lead to problems:
  • Arrests for complicity in crimes.
  • Confiscation of property.

5.3. Moral conflicts​

• For some people, participation in carding becomes a source of internal conflict:
  • Feeling guilty for helping scammers.
  • The desire to get out of the criminal world.

6. Alternative: Legal Friendships​

If carders decide to legalize their lives, they can redirect their skills into legal areas:

• Cybersecurity: Friends can become colleagues in IT companies.
• Programming: Networking with like-minded people on legitimate projects.
• Education: Supporting each other in learning new skills.

Conclusion​

Carders' "friends" are not always true friends in the traditional sense. In most cases, these relationships are built on mutual benefit, anonymity, and mistrust. While such connections can help carders in their activities, they also increase the risk of exposure and betrayal.

Key takeaway: The best way to build real friendships is to give up illegal activities and use your skills for legitimate purposes. This is the only way to create trusting and safe connections.