Carding is a type of credit card fraud that relies on the theft of a person’s financial information. It focuses on the use of stolen credit cards to purchase prepaid cards. Carders, the term used for those who practice carding, often set up forums online for the purpose of buying and selling malicious information and techniques.

The techniques of carding range from the use of bots to outdated and vulnerable card methods, such as magnetic strip technology or traditional imprinting. These outdated methods lack the security of modern technology, making them highly susceptible to fraud. Criminals can easily obtain access to a person’s financial data and use it to purchase goods and services in their name, or sell the information to other criminals for similar activities. For carders, the end goal is typically financial gain, but the activity may also include encouraging, aiding, or participating in other illegal activities, such as identity theft and money laundering.

In order to protect people and organizations from carding, modern security technologies, such as CVV, CAPTCHA and multifactor authentication have been put in place. CVV is a three-digit code typically located on the back of a credit or debit card, used to verify that the cardholder is indeed the cardholder. CAPTCHA is a technology, used to prevent automated attacks, and require users to enter a code or click a prompt in order to verify that they are human. Multi-factor authentication, which combines a person’s username, password, and other personal information with a separate authentication device (such as a physical token or software token), makes it more difficult for criminals to access an individual’s financial information.

Although no security technology is foolproof, these newer technologies have proven to be effective in protecting the public from carders, as have organizations like the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team, who provide guidance on how to prevent carding. In addition, individuals should also take steps to protect their personal information. This includes being aware of phishing attacks, as well as avoiding giving out personal information and financial information online.

Carding is a serious crime, which can have long-term financial and reputational implications for those affected. It is important for individuals and organizations to be informed about how to detect and protect themselves from carders. By using advanced security technologies, individuals and organizations can better protect themselves from this type of fraud.