Carding is a form of cybercrime that involves the theft, trading, and use of credit card data or other financial credentials to conduct illegal transactions. This process typically spans stages from data acquisition (through phishing, database hacks, or marketplace purchases) to verification (using validation tools) and monetization (e.g., purchasing goods for resale or cashing out through intermediaries). The dark web, an anonymous part of the internet accessible through browsers like Tor, provides platforms for such communities where anonymity allows for the exchange of knowledge without immediate risk. These communities function as informal "academies" of criminal skills, attracting newcomers with promises of easy money but, in practice, focusing on the collective sharing of expertise, similar to legitimate online programming or business forums.
Learning in these communities is based on the principles of a "community of practice," where newcomers learn through observation, questioning, and gradual practice, often starting with low-risk tasks. Estimates for 2025 place these platforms at $40–50 billion annually in global carding losses, fueling the growth of these communities but also attracting the attention of law enforcement. This overview, compiled for educational purposes based on public reports and research, reveals the mechanisms, motivations, structures, and risks. It does not provide instructions on how to participate, as carding is illegal in all jurisdictions (in the United States, under federal financial fraud laws) and can result in lengthy prison sentences. Instead, the focus is on analysis to understand cybersecurity threats.
Learning in these communities is based on the principles of a "community of practice," where newcomers learn through observation, questioning, and gradual practice, often starting with low-risk tasks. Estimates for 2025 place these platforms at $40–50 billion annually in global carding losses, fueling the growth of these communities but also attracting the attention of law enforcement. This overview, compiled for educational purposes based on public reports and research, reveals the mechanisms, motivations, structures, and risks. It does not provide instructions on how to participate, as carding is illegal in all jurisdictions (in the United States, under federal financial fraud laws) and can result in lengthy prison sentences. Instead, the focus is on analysis to understand cybersecurity threats.
1. Evolution and Structure of Darknet Communities: From Simple Chats to Professional Platforms
Darknet communities have evolved from chaotic IRC chats in the 2000s to structured forums and marketplaces in the 2020s, reminiscent of social networks like Reddit, but with a focus on criminal topics. By 2025, they will integrate AI to automate tasks, but the foundation is human knowledge sharing. Newcomers are attracted through "funnels" — from free resources to paid "courses." Communities emphasize OPSEC (operational security), including the use of VPNs, Tor, and PGP encryption to minimize risks.- Forums as primary hubs: These are anonymous sites with discussion sections, where registration often requires verification (for example, via cryptocurrency payment or a PGP key). They are divided into open (free) and closed (paid, from $10-$100 in crypto). Moderators curate content, removing spam or suspicious posts to prevent infiltration. Reputation systems (similar to eBay reviews) motivate veterans to share their knowledge, accumulating "points" for their assistance.
| Forum (active as of 2025) | Audience and Focus | Support for newcomers | Key Features and Risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| CryptBB (с 2020) | 100k+ users, hackers, and carders | Sections for beginners, basic guides on anonymity and tools. | Uses AES-256 and RSA for encryption; suitable for beginners, but susceptible to DDoS. |
| FreeHacks (Russian-language, since 2014) | 500k+ members, focus on the CIS | Toolbox and Q&A; contests with prizes (VPN, maps). | DDoS and carding expertise; frequently migrates due to blocking. |
| Altenen (since 2008) | 1.3M+ users, global | "Newbie Questions" and free cracking tutorials. | Focus on financial fraud; monitored by Interpol. |
| Dread (Reddit-like, since 2018) | 500k+ members, English/Russian | Threads for newbies, voting on topics. | Discussions of real-life cases; highly active, but vulnerable to attacks. |
| XSS (Russian) | 1M+ users | Mentoring via chats, data exchange. | Revived after closures; risks from fake accounts. |
| Tor Carding Forum (TCF, historical) | Closed, but similar sites are active | Data trading and tutorials. | Associated with Evolution; shut down by authorities in 2015, but inspired new ones. |
- Migration to messengers: By 2025, groups will migrate to Telegram and Discord for real-time sharing of videos and screenshots. This simplifies access but reduces anonymity. For example, Telegram channels offer "carding tutorials" with weak OPSEC.
- Marketplaces as an add-on: Platforms like BriansClub or BidenCash not only sell data (starting at $1 per card), but also integrate educational elements such as user guides.
2. Teaching Methods: From Theory to Supervised Practice
The training is structured like online courses: from free PDFs to paid "camps" ($50-$500), divided into modules. Beginners are debunked myths (for example, "carding is a quick way to make money") and learn step by step, with an emphasis on risk.- Basic tutorials: Guides like "Carding Basics 2025" explain the process: data acquisition, verification (CVV checkers), and monetization. They emphasize low-risk approaches, such as small-volume testing, and tools (virtual machines, proxies). Available in the "Beginners' Corner" sections.
- Advanced modules: Courses on automation (phishing bots), bypassing security (3D Secure), and cash-out (via mules). They use business models as a canvas for analysis. AI lessons for fake data will be added in 2025.
- Q&A and mentoring: Newcomers post questions ("How to start from scratch?") and receive answers. Veterans share case studies, just like at conferences like DEF CON.
- Practice through roles: Start as "mules" (package recipients for a 10-20% commission) — low-level practice without technical expertise. Contests and freebies (free data) encourage experimentation.
3. Tools, resources, and motivation
- Tools: They discuss checkers, scripts, and malware, but don't share any code in public posts. The motivation is profit, but the reality is that 90% of newbies suffer losses due to errors.
- Resources: Databases (fullz - cards + PII), escrow services for secure transactions.
4. 2025 Trends and Risks
- Trends: Growth of mobile apps, Telegram; "professionalization" with courses. Strengthening KYC complicates carding, but communities are adapting.
- Risks: Forums are shut down (Dream Market 2019, Sky-Fraud 2022). Arrests through international operations (FBI, Interpol). Newcomers are vulnerable due to weak OPSEC.