carding comes in various levels and degrees once one has become acquainted with the subject matter. We all employ our own techniques, openings, and thoughts that direct us towards success. This discussion of carder levels is simply a basic generalization to provide some insight into the differences; it is not intended to be an exhaustive exploration. I wish for you to gain understanding of your desired goals within this context and reflect upon the feasibility of such aspirations.

Level 1 carder: Elementary
Profit potential = less than $100 USD per card.

Level 1 carders require:
1. Credit Card Number (CC)
2. Expiry Date on the card

This level is straightforward and is an appropriate starting point for individuals who are homeless and looking to learn carding fundamentals. This category caters to those who wish to order meals, small orders for food over the telephone from restaurants, or through services such as Uber Eats, and so forth. If you intend to be a Level 1 carder, you may proceed to request a meal or several meals using the credit card information you have secured. In essence, it is as uncomplicated as employing a friend’s credit card found in their wallet to place an order.

Level 2 Carder: Intermediate
Earnings Potential = $1 – $500 USD per card.

Level 2 carders must obtain:
1. Credit Card Number (CC)
2. Expiry Date on the Card
3. CVV
4. Cardholder Name
5. Date of Birth (optional)
6. Billing Address
7. Drop address for collection of stolen goods
8. Telephone number (optional)
9. RDP or SOCKS IP that is as proximate to the cardholder’s address as possible.

This is the level at which most individuals enter when commencing with carding, which is an excellent starting point for newcomers to credit card fraud. If you intend on being a level 2 carder, you are targeting items that are predominantly under $500 USD and hail from smaller online businesses. These websites should be unique and lesser known when chosen for carding, while avoiding VBV. I recommend focusing on smaller, local businesses with online retail outlets. Aim to card low-level targets (clothing stores, etc.), so begin considering what you deem a low-level target.

Level 3 Carder: Highly Difficult to Extremely Difficult
Income potential = $1 – $3000 USD per card.

Level 3 carders must obtain:
1. Credit Card Number (CC)
2. Expiry Date on the card
3. CVV
3. Card holder name
4. Date of Birth
5. Billing Address
6. Telephone number (dependent on situation)
7. Credit report / Background check (in an attempt to authenticate VBV questions)
8. National Insurance Number
9. Drop address to retrieve your purloined goods
10. On occasion, require a fake ID in order to collect items shipped
11. Email of the card holder or ideally access to the email account of the card holder
12. RDP or SOCKS IP that is as close to card holder address as possible.

Level 3 carders are seasoned individuals who have a deep understanding of carding online and have devised a method they believe to be reliable when ordering items online. This would encompass orders from any major retailer for higher value items such as electronics, laptops, small appliances, and so forth, and have procured the information to evade VBV. I came to understand when I was an “level 3 carder” that purchasing items online involves a significant amount of trial and error accompanied with failure at every turn. Many hours spent procuring the proper cards, placing online orders, orders being cancelled, drops being compromised, requiring identification to claim the item, and so on.

Most of us all believe that once we delve into carding, we’re going to make a fortune but you soon realise that selling items online using a stolen credit card, getting them shipped successfully to a drop, and then re-selling that object isn’t going to be a way of amassing that wealth. There are numerous components that are difficult to co-ordinate and manipulate to work in your favour in this type of deceit.

Level 4 Carder: Moderate to Advanced
Earnings potential = $1 – $5000 USD per card.

Level Four carders must acquire:
1. Credit Card Number (CC)
2. Card Expiration Date
3. Card Verification Value (CVV)
4. Track 1 and 2 Data (CVV DUMPS)
5. Credit card reading and writing equipment (MSR605x, MSR605, AMC722)
6. Blank Cards / PVC Cards
7. Credit Card / I.D Printer
8. Embossing Machine.

Level 4 carders are individuals who clone people’s credit cards, enter a store with audacity, make a purchase in person, and exit promptly. Subsequently, they either sell the item online or keep it for themselves, as these goods are highly valuable. Level Four carders tend to be more seasoned, older in age, knowledgeable about deception, and have life experience. They possess this demographic as they understand the requirements to become a successful Level Four carder, or any serious fraudster.

Level Four carders are likely to “act” and possess excellent social skills, acting as successful social engineers. If operating at this level, treat the stolen credit card in your hand as authentic. Always observe the individual you will hand the card to. Engage in a regular conversation, using social engineering to your advantage.
Being in a location with cameras, witnesses, and IoT devices increases risk significantly. This is notably different from committing cybercrimes versus committing real-life crimes.

Consider personal capabilities for any success. Age, social skills, physical appearance, attitude, and maturity are vital. If high on cocaine (as currently), for example, do not mistaken yourself for appearing presentable.

Level 5 Carder: Moderate
Earnings potential = $1 – $10,000+ USD per card.

Level 5 carders require:
1. Credit Card Number (CC), preferably business
2. Card expiry date
3. CVV code
4. Blank cards / PVC cards with embedded chips
5. Credit Card / I.D. Printer
6. Embossing machine.

These types of carders contact businesses and place an order for a product over the telephone. They provide the CC details over the phone to the merchant and then collect the product at a later time. These individuals typically have a comprehensive knowledge of construction work, project management logistics, building supplies, and other equipment required for large-scale construction products. It is quite common for level 5 carders to utilise a stolen corporate CC to place a deposit on a piece of rental equipment and abscond with it.
Level 5 carders operate similarly to a level 4 carder; however, there is a slight variation in their logistics and tactics.

CONCLUSION
Now that one is acquainted with the varying degrees of carders, it should be apparent which tier one falls into and what is realistically achievable for oneself. As can be observed, each tier necessitates distinct commodities and skill sets in order to flourish. Not only does this require differing items, but it also demands increased self-assurance, a trait that often restrains many individuals from endeavouring in this form of deception.

This is a realisation inherent to carding. Regardless of the path chosen, at least now one possesses the requisite information to make an informed decision concerning the appropriateness of this type of fraud for oneself.

BEAR IN MIND:
Electronic fraud with CCS or of any other type is a very punishable offence, the prison years depend on each country, the stolen money, time, experience, etc. But generally, 5 years up to 20 or more is here in some European/Asian countries.