Almost anyone can become a carder, but most often these are people with certain characteristics, motives and circumstances. Carding is a complex phenomenon that unites both tech-savvy professionals and beginners who just want "easy money". Let's figure out who most often becomes a carder and why.
1. Tech-savvy individuals
Hackers: People with deep knowledge in IT and cybersecurity.
They use their skills to hack systems, intercept data, or create carding tools.
Programmers: Developers who can use their skills to create software designed for fraud.
Example: Creating card checkers or bots to automate attacks.
2. Beginners and amateurs
Easy money lovers: People without much technical training who find information about carding on the Internet (for example, on forums or in video tutorials).
Often they buy ready-made tools or map databases from more experienced carders.
Example: Buying map dumps on the darknet and trying to use them.
Copycats: Those who are inspired by the romanticized image of hackers or carders from movies and books.
3. People with financial difficulties
Poverty: People who find themselves in difficult financial situations may see carding as a way to make quick money.
Example: Unemployed or those who cannot find legal ways to earn money.
Gamblers: Gamblers who are in debt or have a gambling addiction may resort to carding to get funds quickly.
4. Members of organized groups
International criminal networks: Professional groups involved in cybercrime.
Example: Groups such as Cobalt, Carbanak, Fin7, which attack banks and large companies.
Local communities: Smaller groups operating within a single region or country.
Example: Organizing attacks on local stores or ATMs.
5. Teenagers and young adults
Technology Explorers: Teens interested in IT and cybersecurity sometimes experiment with carding out of curiosity.
Example: Studying how skimmers work or testing stolen cards.
Gullible Newbies: Young people who are lured into schemes through social media or forums.
6. Individuals with psychological characteristics
Gamblers: People who enjoy the feeling of risk and excitement.
Example: Emotions from cheating the system or successfully withdrawing money.
Anti-System Protesters: Those who see carding as a way to challenge society or banks.
Example: Hacktivists who believe they are "fighting corruption."
7. Former employees of banks or companies
Access to data: Former employees of banks, payment systems or companies that process card data can use their knowledge to commit fraud.
Example: Stealing databases or exploiting internal vulnerabilities.
8. Darknet community members
Sellers and Buyers: People who actively participate in darknet forums where card data is bought and sold.
Example: Selling map databases or purchasing carding tools.
Organizers: Those who operate forums or marketplaces for selling data.
9. Socially isolated individuals
Loners: People who feel isolated from society and seek ways to assert themselves.
Example: Using carding as a way to boost your self-esteem.
Antisocial Personalities: Those who do not care about the consequences of their actions on other people.
10. Victims of manipulation
Newbies drawn into the schemes: People who have been convinced or forced to participate in carding.
Example: Working as a "courier" to withdraw money from stolen cards.
Hostages of Circumstances: Those who are forced to participate in fraud under pressure or threats.
11. Why do they choose carding?
Financial motivation: The desire to make money quickly.
Technological accessibility: Ease of access to tools and information.
Feeling of Impunity: The Illusion of Anonymity on the Internet.
Peer pressure: Pressure from the community or acquaintances.
Excitement and challenge: The feeling of pleasure from cheating the system.
12. Conclusion
People with different levels of training, motivation, and life circumstances become carders. However, it is important to understand that carding is a crime that entails serious consequences, including criminal liability, imprisonment, and reputational damage. Instead, it is worth considering legal ways to apply your skills, such as working in IT, cybersecurity, or the fintech industry.
If you have any further questions about who becomes a carder, write!
Carders (criminals involved in theft and fraud with bank cards) are a heterogeneous group, but they are united by common features. Here is a socio-psychological portrait and motivation of such people:
1. Main categories of carders
A. Tech-savvy youth
Age: 16-25 years
Profile:
Self-taught in IT, often with basic programming skills.
They start with forums, where they find ready-made hacking tools.
Motivation: quick money, excitement, status in closed communities.
Example: A college student hacked a store's database via SQL injection.
B. Organized crime groups
Structure:
Techniques (hacking systems).
Drops (cashing out money).
Couriers (transfers via crypto).
Connections: Often linked to other types of crime (drug trafficking, money laundering).
V. Former Bank/IT Employees
Use insider knowledge:
Vulnerabilities in payment systems.
Access to client databases.
Example: A former bank call center employee who sold data of 10,000 clients.
2. Why do they choose carding?
Low entry threshold:
Ready-made phishing scripts are sold on the darknet for $50–100.
Anonymity:
Cryptocurrencies and anonymous networks (Tor, I2P).
The myth of impunity:
They believe that small amounts will not attract the attention of the police (mistake: even $200 is a criminal case).
3. How are they found?
Digital footprints:
VPN logs, image metadata (e.g. screenshots).
Transaction chains in the blockchain (analysis via Chainalysis).
Behavioral errors:
Using personal email to register on forums.
Bragging in closed chats (often leaking themselves).
4. What awaits them?
Criminal liability:
Confiscation:
Cryptocurrency wallets, gadgets, cars.
Lifelong consequences:
Ban on working in banks/IT.
Blacklisting of banks.
5. Alternatives for those at a crossroads
If you have skills that can be applied to carding, it is much more profitable to use them legally:
Penetration testing (testing banks' protection with their permission).
Bug Bounty (earn $10,000+ for finding a vulnerability).
Development of payment systems (salary of a Senior developer in fintech — from $3,000).
Conclusion
Carders are not “hacking geniuses,” but often young people seduced by easy money. But modern surveillance technologies and strict laws make carding an extremely risky business with a guaranteed failure.
Want to know about legal careers in cybersecurity ? Ask!
Anyone who decides to commit fraud using credit and debit card data can become a carder. However, there are certain characteristics and circumstances that may contribute to choosing this path:
1. Motivation
Financial Need: Many carders start out of financial need or a desire to make a quick buck. Carding may seem like an easy way to make money without having to work a traditional job.
Desire for easy money: Some people are attracted by the opportunity to quickly gain access to someone else's funds, especially if they do not realize the serious consequences of their actions.
2. Technical skills
Tech Skills: Often, carders have specific technical skills that allow them to use software to hack, create fake cards, or manipulate data. This may include knowledge of programming languages, databases, and networking.
Interest in Cybersecurity: Some carders may be former hackers or people with an interest in cybersecurity who have decided to use their skills for illegal purposes.
3. Social environment
Influence of the environment: People who are around other scammers or those who are already involved in carding may be more inclined to try the activity. Social media and forums where carding methods are discussed may also help recruit new participants.
4. Personal qualities
Risk-taking: Carders often have a tendency to take risks and ignore the consequences of their actions. They may not understand or care about the legal consequences of their actions.
Manipulative Skills: Successful carders can be good manipulators, able to deceive people and systems to achieve their goals.
5. Access to resources
Access to Stolen Data: Many carders start their operations by accessing stolen card data through black markets or forums where such data is sold. This may be the result of working with hackers or other criminal groups.
Conclusion
People are drawn to carding for a variety of reasons, including financial need, interest in technology, and social influences. However, it is important to remember that this activity is illegal and can have serious consequences for both carders and their victims.
