The culture of carding and carders

[chushpan]

The culture of carding and carders is a unique phenomenon that is formed in criminal communities and reflects the worldview, values and behavioral norms of people involved in bank card fraud. This culture combines elements of technological progress, anonymity, risk and even a certain romance of illegal activity. Let's consider the main aspects of the carding culture in more detail.

1. The main features of the carding culture​

1.1 Technological Obsession​

• Carders often admire technology:
  • Programming as an art form.
  • Perceiving hacking as an intellectual challenge.
  • Respect for those who create complex tools (such as stealers or skimmers).
• Technology becomes not just a means to an end, but also a part of their identity.

1.2. Anonymity and Secrecy​

• The cult of anonymity:
  • Use of pseudonyms and nicknames.
  • Hiding your identity using Tor, VPN and other tools.
  • The constant desire to remain "invisible".
• Anonymity becomes a symbol of freedom and protection from the system.

1.3. Risk and excitement​

• Carding is often perceived as a game:
  • The feeling of euphoria from successfully bypassing security systems.
  • Raising the stakes: moving from small operations to major scams.
• Many carders are addicted to excitement and adrenaline.

1.4. Protest against the system​

• Some carders see themselves as fighting the "system":
  • Confrontation with banks and corporations.
  • Perception of one's activities as a way of "redistributing wealth".
• This protest is often used to justify one's actions.

2. Values and norms​

2.1. Rationalization of illegal actions​

• Carders often justify their actions:
  • "The banks are already rich, they won't notice the loss."
  • "I'm just using the system's capabilities."
  • "It doesn't cause any real harm to people."

2.2 Respect for technical skills​

• The community highly values:
  • Ability to write complex programs.
  • Ability to find vulnerabilities in systems.
  • Creating innovative fraud methods.
• Technical competence becomes a key indicator of status.

2.3. Loyalty within the group​

• Within criminal communities there is a code of honor:
  • You can't betray your own.
  • Share knowledge and tools only with trusted members.
• However, betrayal and conflicts within groups are also common.

2.4. Minimizing the consequences​

• Carders try to avoid direct harm:
  • For example, not attacking individuals, but focusing on large companies.
  • However, such restrictions are not always observed.

3. The Carders Lifestyle​

3.1. Anonymity and Isolation​

• Many carders live "underground":
  • Avoid contact with the outside world.
  • They don't even trust close people.
• This creates a feeling of loneliness, but also increases the feeling of belonging to a closed community.

3.2. Night work​

• Carders' activities are often associated with night time:
  • Convenience for working in the darknet.
  • Reduce the risk of being noticed.
• Nocturnal lifestyle becomes the norm.

3.3. Luxury and asceticism​

• Some carders spend their money on a luxurious life:
  • Expensive cars, travel, branded clothes.
• Others prefer a modest lifestyle so as not to attract attention.
• It depends on personal preference and level of caution.

4. Communication and Interaction​

4.1. Forums and Chats​

• Carders communicate through specialized platforms:
  • Closed forums on the darknet.
  • Chats in Telegram or Discord.
  • Exchange of experiences, tools and data.
• These platforms are becoming centres of cultural exchange.

4.2. Jargon and Slang​

• Carding culture has its own language:
  • "Dump" - bank card details.
  • A "mule" is a person who uses stolen cards.
  • "Scam" is a fraud or deception.
• Slang helps to strengthen the sense of community and exclusivity.

4.3. Romanticization of activity​

• The forums often discuss the successes of famous carders:
  • Stories of major scams.
  • Tips for improving skills.
• This creates a kind of legends and heroes within the community.

5. Problems and contradictions​

5.1 Conflict between morality and profit​

• Many carders experience an internal conflict:
  • Feeling guilty for your actions.
  • Desire to legalize, but fear of losing income.
• This leads to psychological stress.

5.2. Risk of betrayal​

• In criminal circles, disagreements often arise:
  • Betrayal by partners.
  • Competition for resources.
• Trust is becoming a rare commodity.

5.3. Pressure from law enforcement agencies​

• Constant threat of arrest:
  • Surveillance by the FBI, Interpol and other organizations.
  • Closing forums and marketplaces.
• This increases paranoia and stress.

6. The Impact of Carding Culture on Society​

6.1. Romanticization of illegal activity​

• In popular culture (movies, TV series) carding is sometimes presented as a "smart" way to make money:
  • This may attract new participants.
• This romanticization helps to spread this culture.

6.2. Undermining Confidence in Financial Systems​

• Carders' activities reduce trust in online payments:
  • People are becoming wary of using cards.
  • Companies are losing customer trust due to data breaches.

6.3. Incentive for technology development​

• Banks and companies are forced to strengthen security systems:
  • Development of new data protection technologies.
  • Implementation of biometrics and multi-factor authentication.

7. Prospects for Cultural Change​

7.1. Legalization of talents​

• Some carders may switch to the defense side:
  • Work in the field of cybersecurity.
  • Using skills for legal purposes.
• This requires support and education.

7.2. Pressure increase​

• As technology advances, law enforcement will be more effective in combating carding:
  • Closing forums.
  • Arrests of gang leaders.
• This may lead to a decrease in the number of carders.

7.3. Education and Prevention​

• Raising public awareness of fraudsters' methods:
  • School cybersecurity programs.
  • Training in safe internet use.
• Prevention will help reduce the demand for carding.

Conclusion​

The culture of carding and carders is a complex phenomenon that combines technology, risk, and a certain philosophy. Although carders often perceive their activities as a challenge or protest against the system, their actions have serious consequences for society. The best way to change this culture is to redirect technical skills to legal areas and raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity.

Key takeaway: The culture of carding can only disappear when people start using their skills to protect data, not steal it. Education, technology, and legislative measures play a key role in this process.