An Introduction to Fake Payment Page Creation Technologies
Fake payment pages, often used in carding (the process of stealing and using credit card data), mimic legitimate websites, such as payment pages for banks, payment systems (e.g., Visa, Mastercard, PayPal), or online stores. These pages are created for phishing — tricking users into revealing sensitive information, including card numbers, CVV codes, expiration dates, and personal data. For educational purposes, it's important to understand these technologies to understand the risks and protection methods, but remember that any real-world use of such methods is illegal and punishable by law.Technologies are evolving: from simple HTML pages in the 2000s to sophisticated phishing kits using AI and mobile integrations in 2025. Attackers strive for maximum realism, speed of deployment, and the evasion of security systems. According to reports such as Stripe (2025), carding includes not only phishing but also related techniques such as formjacking (injecting malicious code into payment forms). Below, I'll examine the key technologies in more detail, using high-level descriptions without providing code or implementation instructions.
1. Web Development Basics for Simulating Interfaces
- HTML, CSS, and JavaScript as the foundation: These technologies form the "skeleton" of a fake page. HTML defines the structure (input forms, buttons), CSS defines the visual style (colors, fonts, to make the page look identical to the original), and JavaScript adds dynamics (field validation, pop-ups, animations). Attackers analyze real websites using browser tools (such as the Element Inspector) and copy elements to achieve pixel-perfect accuracy. This allows them to create pages that deceive even experienced users.
- Frameworks and libraries: Popular choices include Bootstrap for responsive design (adapting to mobile devices), jQuery for simplifying JavaScript code, and React for more complex interactive elements. These tools speed up development, allowing you to build a page in hours. Phishing kits often come with these components pre-installed, as noted in an analysis by Cofense (2025).
- Cloning and scraping: Automated tools are used to copy the entire website (for example, using libraries like BeautifulSoup in Python for parsing, but at a high level, this is simply downloading and modifying). This ensures authenticity, but adds malicious elements, such as hidden fields for data capture.
2. Hosting, domains, and infrastructure
- Domain registration: Attackers choose domains similar to the original (typosquatting, for example, paypall.com instead of paypal.com) or use subdomains. Registration occurs through anonymous services (e.g., in the .top and .xyz zones). By 2025, the use of dynamic DNS for quickly changing addresses will increase.
- Cloud hosting and VPS: Platforms like AWS, Heroku, or cheap VPS in countries with lax regulations (e.g., Russia, China) allow for quick page deployment. These services mask IP addresses, and integration with CDNs (Content Delivery Networks, like Cloudflare) speeds up loading times and obscures origin. According to Krebs on Security (2025), such infrastructures are used for integration with mobile wallets.
- URL obfuscation and redirects: Links are obfuscated using shortening services (goo.gl, bit.ly) or redirect chains. This makes detection difficult, especially in email newsletters.
3. Server technologies and data processing
- PHP, Python, or Node.js scripts: These languages process user-entered data. For example, a form sends data to the server, where the script saves it to a file, database, or sends it to an attacker (via the Telegram API or email). PHP is popular due to its simplicity, but modern kits include Python scripts for automation.
- Databases and storage: MySQL or SQLite for temporary storage of stolen data. In advanced schemes, data is encrypted or transmitted in real time to avoid detection.
- API integration: For data verification (e.g., card validation via external services) or automation (notification bots). In 2025 carding, as described in Kaspersky (2025), mobile wallet APIs (Apple Pay, Google Wallet) are integrated to convert stolen data into virtual cards.
4. Social engineering and dynamic content
- Personalization and A/B testing: JavaScript scripts tailor the page to the user (for example, displaying localized content based on IP address). This increases conversion rates — the percentage of users who are deceived.
- Mimicry of behavior: Timers, fake errors ("Invalid CVV, try again"), or progress bars create pressure. Phishing kits include elements that mimic 3D Secure or two-factor authentication, but are actually enticing codes.
- Mobile Adaptation: Responsive design ensures functionality on smartphones, where users frequently enter data. New for 2025: NFC (Near Field Communication) integration for "ghost tap" attacks, where data is transmitted through relay apps.
5. Mechanisms for bypassing protection and masking
- SSL/TLS and certificates: Free certificates from Let's Encrypt create a "lock" in the browser, faking security. Without this, pages are blocked by browsers.
- Code obfuscation: Tools obfuscate JavaScript (minification, variables with random names) to prevent antivirus software from detecting malicious code. Akamai's kits (2019, but still relevant) describe cloaking techniques — displaying different content to bots and humans.
- Anti-bot and anti-analysis: CAPTCHA-like checks, User-Agent (browser) or geolocation checks. In 2025, AI tools like WormGPT will be added to generate convincing text or images.
- Evasive techniques: According to Zerofox (2023), kits include cloaked pages where malicious content is hidden behind conditions (e.g. only for certain IPs).
6. Ready-made solutions: Phishing Kits and PaaS
- Phishing Kits: Ready-made packages sold on the darknet (for example, for $50-500). They include page templates, scripts, and instructions. According to Hornetsecurity (2023), kits have evolved into "scama" — full-fledged marketplaces. In 2024-2025, as in Abnormal AI, kits bypass MFA and target Gmail/Microsoft.
- Phishing-as-a-Service (PaaS): Services like those described by Microsoft (2021), where ready-made websites, domains, and analytics are provided for a subscription. This democratizes carding — it's accessible even to beginners.
7. Distribution and integration with other technologies
- Distribution and injection: Email/SMS using tools like SendGrid, or injection via XSS on legitimate sites. In carding, this involves using card testing bots.
- Integration with AI and new trends: In 2025, AI will generate phishing texts (Agent Zero) or deepfakes for video phishing. It will also generate synthetic identities for creating fake accounts.
- TOR, VPN and anonymity: For control without tracing.