Social engineering in carding

[Man]

Social engineering plays a key role in carding, as it allows attackers to obtain sensitive bank card data (card number, CVV, expiration date, PIN code) directly from cardholders. Unlike technical methods such as skimming or database hacking, social engineering focuses on manipulating people, which is often easier and more effective.

Let's look at how social engineering is used in carding and what methods are used.

1. The main goals of social engineering in carding​

Attackers use social engineering to:

• Receiving card data: Card numbers, CVV, expiration date.
• Access to accounts: Logins and passwords for Internet banking.
• Hidden transfer of funds: Convince the cardholder to make a transfer to the fraudsters' account.
• Malware installations: Force the victim to download a program that intercepts card data.

2. Social engineering methods in carding​

a. Phishing​

• Description: Scammers send fake emails, messages or create fake websites to trick you into giving away your card details.
• Example in carding:
  • Letter from "the bank": "We have detected suspicious activity on your card. Confirm the details on the website."
  • The victim follows the link and enters the card number, CVV and expiration date.

b. Vishing​

• Description: A telephone scam in which fraudsters pretend to be bank or support service employees.
• Example in carding:
  • Call: "This is your bank's security service. We have noticed an attempt to withdraw funds from your card. To block the transaction, please provide your CVV."

c. Smishing (SMS phishing)​

• Description: Fraudsters send SMS with fake links or data requests.
• Example in carding:
  • Message: "Your card has been blocked due to suspicious activity. Follow the link to unblock."
  • The link leads to a fake website where the victim enters card details.

d. Substitution of identity​

• Description: The attacker pretends to be another person, such as a bank employee, client or partner.
• Example in carding:
  • The scammer writes a letter on behalf of "tech support": "We are updating the security system. Please send a photo of your card for verification."

e. What for what​

• Description: The scammer offers something in exchange for information.
• Example in carding:
  • "You have won an Amazon gift card. To claim, please enter your card details for delivery."

f. Pretexting (Using a preposition)​

• Description: The attacker creates a fictitious story to obtain data.
• Example in carding:
  • "I am a security officer of your bank. To check the security of your card, please provide the CVV and expiration date."

3. How do attackers find victims?​

a. Social Media Analysis​

• Fraudsters collect information about the victim from public profiles on social networks.
• For example, if a person posts a photo of a map, an attacker could use that image.

b. Bulk mailings​

• Fraudsters send phishing emails or SMS to thousands of people, hoping that at least some of them will fall for it.

c. Targeted attacks​

• If an attacker has access to a specific person's data (for example, through a data leak), they can conduct a targeted attack.

4. Examples of social engineering in carding​

Example 1: Phishing email​

• The fraudster sends a letter on behalf of a popular online store:
  • "Your order for $500 has been confirmed. If you did not place an order, please follow the link to cancel."
• The victim follows the link and enters card details on the fake website.

Example 2: Telephone scam​

• Call from a "bank employee":
  • "We have detected an attempt to withdraw funds from your card. To confirm the transaction, please provide your CVV."

Example 3: SMS fraud​

• Message:
  • "You've won an iPhone 16! Follow the link to claim it."
• The victim follows the link and enters personal information.

5. How to protect yourself from social engineering in carding?​

a. Be attentive​

• Do not trust messages asking you to provide card details urgently.
• Check the sender of your emails and messages.

b. Do not open suspicious links​

• Do not follow links from unverified sources.
• Check the website URL before entering data.

c. Use two-factor authentication (2FA)​

• Add an extra layer of security to your accounts.

d. Do not share confidential information​

• Do not provide card details, CVV, PIN codes or passwords by phone, email or chat.

e. Install antivirus software​

• Protect your devices from malware.

f. Learn​

• Regularly study the methods of scammers and ways to protect yourself.

6. Conclusion​

Social engineering is one of the most common methods in carding, as it exploits the human factor. Attackers use psychological techniques such as trust, fear or curiosity to gain access to card data. To protect yourself from such attacks, it is important to be attentive, use modern security technologies and regularly train.

If you have additional questions about social engineering in carding or protection methods, please clarify them!