The main mistakes of carders

[chushpan]

Carders are individuals who commit fraud using stolen bank cards or their data. Although some carders may be tech-savvy, they often make mistakes that lead to their exposure and arrest. Let's look at the main mistakes carders make:

1. Using stolen cards without verification​

Many carders start using stolen card data immediately after receiving it, without checking its validity. This can lead to the following problems:

• The card may be blocked by the bank.
• The card owner may have already reported the loss of data.
• The payment system may mark the transaction as suspicious.

Result: An unsuccessful attempt to use the card raises suspicions among merchants or law enforcement agencies.

2. Attempts to make large purchases​

Carders often try to buy expensive items (such as laptops, phones, or jewelry) immediately after gaining access to the card details. This is a big mistake because:

• Large transactions are automatically monitored by banks and security systems.
• Sellers may request additional documents to verify identity.
• Cardholders are more likely to notice suspicious transactions if they involve large amounts.

Result: The transaction is blocked and the police quickly track down the perpetrator.

3. Use of false documents​

To confirm their identity, carders often provide fake IDs (driver's licenses, passports). However, such documents are easily recognized upon careful inspection:

• The data on the documents may not match the data on the card.
• Modern document scanning systems can detect counterfeiting.
• The photo on the ID may not match the carder's appearance.

Result: Forged documents arouse suspicion among sellers and law enforcement agencies.

4. Ignoring CCTV cameras​

Many carders do not take into account that stores, banks and other places are equipped with video surveillance systems. They can:

• Not noticing the cameras while committing a crime.
• Do not hide your face or other distinguishing features (tattoos, clothing features).

Result: Camera footage helps police identify the perpetrator.

5. Attempts to withdraw money through ATMs​

Some carders try to withdraw cash from stolen cards through ATMs. This is extremely risky because:

• ATMs are equipped with cameras.
• Withdrawing cash often requires entering a PIN code, which carders may not know.
• Banks monitor suspicious transactions through ATMs.

Result: Police can quickly find the perpetrator using the geolocation of the ATM.

6. Use your own devices​

Carders often use their personal computers, phones, or IP addresses to commit fraudulent activities. This allows law enforcement agencies to:

• Track the attacker's IP address.
• Find digital traces (browser history, files, chats).
• Identify the owner of the device.

Solution: Using special tools for anonymization (for example, VPN, Tor) does not always help if the attacker makes other mistakes.

7. Participation in underground forums​

Many carders communicate on underground forums or in closed groups on the Internet, where they exchange card data or discuss fraud methods. However:

• These forums are often monitored by law enforcement.
• Forum administrators may cooperate with the police.
• Mistakes in communication (such as using a real name) can give away the attacker.

Result: Carders can be caught using information from such forums.

8. Boasting and displaying wealth​

Some carders start bragging about their "successes" to friends or on social media. They may:

• Post photos of expensive purchases.
• Talk about your income.
• Use the stolen money to buy luxury items.

Result: This behavior attracts the attention of law enforcement.

9. Misuse of stolen money​

Carders often spend the stolen money on purchases that are easy to track:

• Online payments for goods or services.
• Transfers to personal accounts.
• Purchasing products that can be linked to a specific person (e.g. home delivery).

Result: All these actions leave traces that can lead to arrest.

10. Underestimating surveillance technologies​

Modern technologies allow tracking almost any financial transactions. Carders often underestimate the possibilities:

• Bank monitoring.
• Geolocation of transactions.
• Analysis of user behavior (for example, strange activity in an unusual location).

Result: Security systems quickly identify suspicious transactions.

11. Collaboration with other attackers​

Carders often work in groups, but this increases the risk of exposure:

• One of the participants may be recruited by law enforcement officers.
• Group members may conflict with or betray each other.
• More people means more mistakes.

Result: Disagreements or mistakes by one member can lead to the exposure of the entire group.

12. Improper escape planning​

After committing a crime, many carders do not plan well for their escape:

• Do not change their appearance or style of clothing.
• Don't prepare an alibi.
• They don't know how to avoid cameras or the police.

Result: Poor planning leads to rapid arrest.

13. Attempts to withdraw money through legal channels​

Carders sometimes try to transfer stolen money to their legitimate accounts:

• Banks monitor suspicious transfers.
• Legitimate accounts are easy to link to a specific person.

Result: The attacker ends up under surveillance by law enforcement agencies.

Conclusion​

The main mistakes carders make are underestimating modern security technologies, poor planning and impulsive actions. To avoid detection, attackers would have to:

1. Carefully check the validity of the cards.
2. Avoid large and suspicious transactions.
3. Use anonymous tools and devices.
4. Leave no digital or physical traces.

However, even with perfect planning, any criminal act will sooner or later lead to consequences.

The main conclusion: The best way to avoid problems is not to engage in illegal activity.