Carding is a form of operation that involves the use of stolen credit or debit card information for hacked transactions. It is a lucrative business that operates primarily on the dark web, where carders buy, sell, and trade grabbed financial data. This article provides an educational overview of how carding works, the methods used, and the risks involved. Also read about 10 Easy Steps to Open a U.S. Bank Account for Non-Residents
1. What is Carding?
Carding refers to the process of using accessed payment card details to make purchases or withdraw funds without the cardholder’s consent. Those involved in this activity are called “carders.” Their main goal is to monetize grabbed card data by purchasing goods, transferring money, or selling verified card information to other criminals.
Key Terms in Carding:
Fullz (Full Info): A complete set of stolen personal and financial data (name, card number, CVV, address, SSN, etc.).
Dumps: Data copied from a card’s magnetic strip, often used for cloning physical cards.
CVV/CVC: The 3- or 4-digit security code on a card, required for online transactions.
BIN (Bank Identification Number): The first 6 digits of a card, used to identify the issuing bank.
2. How Carding Works
The carding process typically follows these steps:
A. Obtaining Stolen Card Data
Carders acquire credit card details through:
Data Breaches: Hacking into company databases (e.g., retailers, banks).
Phishing: Tricking victims into entering card details on fake websites.
Skimming: Installing devices on ATMs or payment terminals to steal card data.
Marketplace: Buying card details from cybercriminal forums.
B. Verifying the Cards
Before using grabbed cards, carderrs check their validity by:
Making small purchases (e.g., $1 donations, cheap digital goods).
Using automated tools to test multiple cards at once (“card checking”).
C. Cashing Out
Once a card is confirmed as active, carders use various methods to profit:
3. The Dark Web & Carding Markets
Most carding activities happen on the dark web, where carders operate in hidden forums and marketplaces. These platforms offer:
Stolen card databases (with prices based on card balance and country).
Hacking tools (malware, card checkers, phishing kits).
Cash-out services (money laundering, dropshipping).
Popular Payment Methods in Carding:
Cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Monero) – Used for anonymity.
Digital Gift Cards – Harder to trace than cash.
Prepaid Cards – Used to launder money.