Carding

Carding, in the context of cybersecurity and fraud, refers to the process of verifying stolen credit card or payment card data to determine if the information is valid and can be used for malicious purposes. Carders, individuals involved in carding, typically obtain stolen credit card details from various sources such as underground marketplaces or data breaches.

The process of carding involves multiple steps. First, carders procure stolen card details, including the cardholder’s name, card number, expiration date, and CVV/CVC verification code. Then, they use various techniques and tools, including automated scripts and online payment gateways, to test the validity of these stolen payment card details. This verification process typically involves making small transactions or pre-authorization requests to determine if the card information is functional. Successful validation usually results in the stolen card data being marked as “live” or “valid,” fetching a higher price in the underground market. The verified card details are then potentially used for fraudulent activities like online purchases, cash withdrawals, or selling the information to other cybercriminals.