A Breakdown of Jokerstash’s Credit Card Sections

JokerStash, one of the most notorious dark web marketplaces, has long been a hub for illegal activity, particularly the buying and selling of stolen credit card information. Criminals and cyber thieves flock to this marketplace to acquire data that can be used for identity theft, fraud, and a variety of other illicit activities. Within JokerStash, the credit card section is one of the most prominent, offering multiple types of stolen financial data.

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the different credit card sections on JokerStash, breaking down what you can find in each category, and how these stolen cards are typically used in cybercrime operations.

1. Fresh Credit Cards

What it is:Fresh credit card data refers to recently stolen credit cards, often from individuals who have just had their financial details compromised. These cards are prized for being “hot,” meaning they haven't been flagged or detected by the bank or credit card company yet. Fresh cards typically come with all the necessary details, such as the card number, expiration date, CVV (Card Verification Value), and sometimes the cardholder's name and address.

Why it’s valuable:Fresh cards are in high demand because they have the greatest potential for immediate use. Since the data is not yet reported as stolen or blocked, they can be used for quick, large-scale transactions, often before the owner notices and reports fraudulent activity. Buyers will often pay a premium for these cards, as they offer the best chances for success in carding (exploiting stolen cards).

How it’s used:

• Carding: This is the practice of using stolen credit card information to make unauthorized purchases, often on online marketplaces that don't use stringent verification methods.

• ATM Withdrawal: Criminals may use these cards to withdraw cash from ATMs, especially if they are able to spoof the card’s PIN.

2. Aged Credit Cards

What it is:Aged credit cards are those that have been compromised for a longer period of time but still retain their usable data. These cards are often used by sellers who have older data but know that the card has not yet been flagged or reported by the victim.

Why it’s valuable:While fresh cards are ideal, aged cards can still be used for certain types of fraud, especially if the cards are from banks or financial institutions with less rigorous fraud detection systems. The primary downside of aged cards is that they are more likely to have been flagged by the cardholder, meaning that they may be harder to use for certain types of transactions.

How it’s used:

• Low-Risk Transactions: Aged cards are often used for small transactions that are less likely to raise red flags. This is especially useful for cybercriminals who are looking to carry out long-term scams without drawing attention.

• Cloning: Aged credit cards can sometimes be used to clone or counterfeit new physical cards using stolen magnetic stripe data. Criminals may also update the information on older cards to use them in the present.

3. Fullz (Full Information Packages)

What it is:Fullz refers to comprehensive packages that contain much more than just credit card information. In addition to the card number, expiration date, and CVV, these packages often include the victim’s full name, address, Social Security number (SSN), date of birth, and other personally identifiable information (PII).

Why it’s valuable:Fullz packages are incredibly valuable because they provide everything a cybercriminal needs to commit identity theft or other forms of financial fraud. These listings are generally priced higher than simple card dumps because they offer a broader range of data that can be used for various criminal activities, including applying for loans, opening new credit accounts, or even creating synthetic identities.

How it’s used:

• Identity Theft: Fullz allows criminals to steal someone's identity entirely, giving them the ability to create fake documents or access sensitive accounts.

• Fraudulent Applications: Criminals can use full information to apply for loans, credit cards, or even government benefits using the stolen identity.

• Bank Account Takeover: With full details, attackers can attempt to gain control of a victim’s online banking accounts and transfer funds.

4. Dumps (Account Dumps)

What it is:Dumps refer to raw data from the magnetic stripe of a credit card, often extracted using skimming devices or card readers. This data typically includes the card’s track data, but it may not always come with the CVV or other secondary authentication elements. Some dumps may be "track 1" (highly detailed, including name and address) or "track 2" (simpler data that can still be used for cloning).

Why it’s valuable:Dumps are prized because they contain the raw data needed to clone a card and use it in physical transactions. This is often used in conjunction with card skimmers that can write data onto a blank magnetic stripe card. While dumps may not have the full data set (like a Fullz package), they are a vital part of carding operations.

How it’s used:

• Card Cloning: Dumps are often used to create counterfeit physical cards. Criminals can write the dump data onto a blank card, making a duplicate of the original card.

• Point-of-Sale (POS) Fraud: After cloning the card, criminals can use it to make in-person purchases at retail locations, especially those without advanced fraud detection technology.

5. CVV2 and CVC Listings

What it is:A CVV (Card Verification Value) or CVC (Card Verification Code) is a three-digit security code on the back of a credit card. In some cases, sellers will offer only this code, sometimes alongside minimal card details, or they may sell it as a standalone piece of data. These listings are often less expensive than full card data but can still be used in carding and other fraudulent activities.

Why it’s valuable:While the CVV2 or CVC code alone doesn’t allow a criminal to make a physical transaction, it’s vital for online transactions, where this code is often required to complete purchases. A valid CVV2 combined with a stolen card number can be used to make fraudulent online purchases.

How it’s used:

• Online Fraud: The most common use of CVVs is for fraudulent online purchases, where the thief already has the card number and expiration date, but they need the CVV to complete the transaction.

• Account Verification: Criminals can use CVVs to verify stolen credit card information and conduct low-risk transactions without drawing attention.

6. Prepaid Cards and Gift Cards

What it is:Prepaid cards or gift cards (like those from Visa, MasterCard, or specific retailers) are often sold in JokerStash’s credit card sections. These cards are not linked to a bank account and can be used for smaller purchases. However, they are also targets for cybercriminals, who steal them in bulk and then resell them.

Why it’s valuable:Prepaid cards and gift cards are less traceable than regular credit cards and are often used for laundering money or conducting smaller, less noticeable fraudulent transactions. Additionally, they’re often easier to use online without additional verification steps.

How it’s used:

• Money Laundering: Criminals can use these cards to transfer funds between various accounts, making it harder for authorities to trace illicit transactions.

• Reselling: Stolen prepaid cards are often resold at a discount, allowing the buyer to cash out or use the cards for their own fraudulent schemes.

Conclusion

The credit card sections on JokerStash encompass a wide variety of data, each with its own specific use case in the realm of cybercrime. From freshly stolen credit card information to full identity packages, each product offers different advantages and risks. While these stolen financial details can be used for a variety of illicit purposes, it’s important to remember that engaging in or supporting activities on such markets is illegal and can result in severe legal consequences. The best course of action for anyone concerned with cybersecurity is to avoid engaging with these platforms and instead focus on lawful practices and protecting personal data.