How does online carding work?

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Online carding is a type of fraud in which criminals use stolen bank card data to make purchases or withdraw money online. This carding method has become especially popular due to the growth of e-commerce and the development of online payments. Let's look at how online carding works, what tools fraudsters use, and how they bypass security systems.

1. The Basic Principle of Online Carding​

Online carding is based on the use of stolen card data (card number, expiration date, CVV code) to make purchases or pay for services on the Internet. Fraudsters do not need physical access to the card, as all operations are performed remotely.

2. Stages of online carding​

a) Obtaining card data​

Fraudsters obtain card data in different ways:
  • Phishing: Creating fake websites or emails posing as banks, stores or delivery services.
  • Skimming: Installing devices on ATMs or POS terminals to intercept data.
  • Data Leaks: Hacking of company databases that store customer information.
  • Darknet: Buying card databases on darknet forums (e.g. Joker's Stash, Genesis Market).

b) Testing cards​

Before using, fraudsters check the functionality of the cards:
  • Checkers: Using special programs that test cards for small amounts (for example, subscriptions to streaming services).
  • Small purchases: Make test transactions of small amounts to ensure the card is valid.

c) Making purchases​

After checking the cards, fraudsters use them to make purchases:
  • Online shopping: Purchase of goods (electronics, clothing, gift cards).
  • Digital services: Payment for subscriptions, games, cryptocurrencies.
  • Transfers: Using cards to transfer money to other accounts.

d) Withdrawal of funds​

  • Sale of goods: Purchased goods are resold on the secondary market.
  • Cashing out: Using payment systems or "couriers" to withdraw money.
  • Cryptocurrencies: Converting stolen funds into cryptocurrencies for anonymity.

3. Online Carding Tools​

a) Software​

  • Checkers: Programs for automatic checking of card functionality.
  • CVV Generators: Tools to create fake card details.
  • Bots: Automation of the shopping process in online stores.

b) Darknet forum​

  • Selling data: Buying databases of cards with stolen information.
  • Tools: Purchase of checkers, generators and other programs.

c) Anonymous networks​

  • Tor: Using anonymous browsers to hide your IP address.
  • VPN: Hide your real location.

d) Cryptocurrencies​

  • Bitcoin, Monero: Using cryptocurrencies for anonymous payments.

4. How do scammers bypass security systems?​

a) Bypass 3D Secure​

  • Fake SMS: Intercepting one-time codes via SIM-jacking.
  • Account hacking: Using stolen credentials to log in.

b) Using proxy and VPN​

  • Hiding your real IP address to simulate purchases from different countries.

c) Substitution of data​

  • Changing device data (User-Agent, cookies) to bypass behavior analysis systems.

d) Exploitation of vulnerabilities​

  • Finding weaknesses in online store security systems.

5. Examples of online carding​

a) Purchase of goods​

  • The fraudster uses the stolen data to purchase expensive electronics from an online store.
  • The goods are delivered to a fictitious address or handed over to a "courier".

b) Payment for subscriptions​

  • Using cards to pay for subscriptions to streaming services (Netflix, Spotify).
  • Subscriptions are resold to other users.

c) Purchase of gift cards​

  • Carders purchase gift cards which they then sell on the secondary market.

6. Consequences of online carding​

  • For victims:
    • Loss of money.
    • Card blocking.
    • Damage to credit history.
  • For companies:
    • Financial losses.
    • Damage to reputation.
    • Fines for violation of security standards (e.g. PCI DSS).

7. Protection from online carding​

a) For users​

  • Use strong passwords: Protect your accounts.
  • Enable two-factor authentication: Add an extra layer of security.
  • Check your statements: Monitor your card transactions regularly.
  • Be careful with links: Do not click on suspicious links.

b) For companies​

  • Implement 3D Secure: Request additional confirmation of transactions.
  • Use monitoring systems: Analyze suspicious activity.
  • Comply with PCI DSS standards: Protect customer data.

8. Conclusion​

Online carding is a complex and dangerous type of fraud that can cause serious damage to both individuals and companies. Protection against it requires a comprehensive approach: using modern technologies, training users and following security standards.

If you have additional questions about how online carding works, write!
 
Online carding is a form of fraud in which criminals use stolen credit or debit card information to make unauthorized transactions. The process involves several steps, from obtaining the card details to using them for financial gain. Here's how it works:

1. Retrieving stolen card data​

Carders obtain card data in various ways:
  • Hacks and data leaks: Hackers target payment processing companies' databases to steal customer information.
  • Phishing: Scammers create fake websites or send emails to trick people into providing their card details.
  • Black Markets: Stolen card data is sold on forums and the dark web, where carders can purchase it for further use.

2. Card Testing (Carding Attack)​

Before using a stolen card, carders check whether it is active and can be used:
  • Small transactions: Carders make small purchases or test payments to see if the card works.
  • Automation via bots: Card testing uses bots that send multiple transaction authorization requests in a short period of time.
  • Velocity Checks: Some merchants and payment processors use velocity checks to identify suspicious activity, such as a sudden surge in small purchases.

3. Using cards for fraud​

After successfully testing the card, carders use it for various purposes:
  • Purchasing merchandise: Carders purchase expensive merchandise, gift cards, or prepaid cards that they can then resell.
  • Resale of goods: Purchased goods are quickly resold on online platforms or through local networks to convert them into cash.

4. Methods of concealing traces​

To avoid detection, carders use various methods:
  • VPN and Proxy: To hide their location and make it difficult to track, they connect through anonymous networks.
  • Fake Data: Fake names, addresses and contact information are used when placing orders.
  • Spreading transactions: Carders make purchases on different sites and at different times to avoid raising suspicion.

5. Impact on victims​

  • For cardholders: Victims are faced with unauthorized charges, which leads to financial losses and the need to block the card.
  • For businesses: Stores suffer losses due to chargebacks and may face reputational damage.

Conclusion​

Online carding is a complex fraud scheme that involves stealing card data, testing it, and using it for financial gain. To protect against carding, it is important to use multi-factor authentication, transaction monitoring systems, and to be vigilant when using cards online.
 
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