Carding Fraud in Indian Gaming Community
Posted at 14-February-2023 / Written by Rohit Bhatt
Introduction
The Indian mobile gaming industry is witnessing unprecedented growth and is expected to reach USD 5 billion by 2025. With the increasing popularity of digital payment and the restrictions imposed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the demand for online gaming has skyrocketed. Mobile devices are the primary driver of this growth and with the availability of affordable internet and faster smartphones with enhanced gaming capabilities, the gaming sector has experienced exponential growth.
However, the strong gaming community in India is facing a challenge in the form of carding fraud that is happening through super chats. This issue affects the commoner's wallet and gives the YouTube gaming community a bad reputation. In this blog, we will conduct a comprehensive analysis of the problem of carding fraud within the Indian gaming community and examine the challenges faced by individuals who are advocating for greater awareness of this matter.
WHAT IS CARDING FRAUD AND HOW IS IT EXECUTED?
Carding fraud is a type of cybercrime that involves the unauthorized use of someone else's credit or debit card information to make fraudulent purchases or withdrawals. This type of fraud can be executed in several ways, including Skimming, Phishing, Database Breaches and many more.
Initially, through the dark web, the stolen credit card numbers are acquired by brokers in bulk and then sold to individuals who engage in carding fraud, referred to as carders. The price for a valid credit card can vary based on several factors, such as the amount of information available with the card, the type of card, and the known credit limits. Some carding brokers offer guarantees on the validity of the cards and will provide a replacement if it is blocked, which can be perceived as a form of customer service.
In the Indian gaming community, carding fraud is executed through the use of YouTube's Super Chat feature. This feature allows viewers to pay for their messages to be highlighted and displayed prominently during live streams. Criminals use this feature to make fraudulent purchases by using someone else's credit or debit card information. The money generated through these fraudulent purchases is then laundered through the gaming community, making it difficult to track and recover.
SILENCING THE VOICES OF AWARENESS
In recent times, the issue of carding fraud in the Indian gaming community has become a topic of growing concern. Despite this, there are individuals who are working towards raising awareness about this problem and educating the public about the dangers of carding fraud. Unfortunately, these efforts are often met with intimidation and bullying tactics aimed at silencing those who are speaking out.
These tactics can range from online harassment and hate speech to physical threats and violence. Such behavior not only undermines the efforts of those working to combat carding fraud, but it also has a chilling effect on free speech and the ability of individuals to raise their voices on important issues.
A few months back A youtube Gamer Paras Official, with over 1.1M+ subscribers on YouTube, recently spoke out against the use of carding in a video. Paras's stance on the issue attracted the attention of high-ranking gamers, one of whom, "Daku," engaged in a conversation with him. Unfortunately, this interaction turned violent and resulted in Paras being physically assaulted by 7 to 8 individuals. While Paras named "Daku" as one of the attackers, the accused has denied any involvement in the incident. To know more watch the video below.
In recent days, a YouTuber named Hardscope has brought attention to the issue of carding fraud in the gaming community. In a video, he accused the parents of another YouTuber of being involved in this illegal activity. As a result, Hardscope has faced persistent calls from the accused parties and prominent gaming community organizers, urging him to remove his video. This has resulted in harassment and warnings for Hardscope, highlighting the tension and controversy surrounding this issue.
PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY IN CHILDREN'S GAMING EXPOSURE
The responsibility of a parent towards their child's well-being is a crucial one, and it extends to all aspects of their development, including their exposure to media and technology. With the rise of online gaming, many parents are allowing their children to play games that are rated 18+ in the name of their career. However, it's important to understand that these games often contain mature content, violence, and other adult themes that can have a negative impact on a child's mental and emotional well-being.
Studies have shown that exposure to violent media can lead to increased aggression, desensitization to violence, and a decline in empathy and moral reasoning in children. It's essential for parents to understand the potential consequences of exposing their children to mature content and to consider the impact it may have on their child's mental, emotional, and social development. As a parent, it's your responsibility to make informed decisions about what your child is exposed to and to ensure their well-being and safety.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the issue of carding fraud in the Indian gaming community is a growing concern that needs to be addressed. The widespread use of YouTube's Super Chat feature to launder money obtained through fraudulent purchases is having a damaging impact on the reputation of the gaming community. Furthermore, the silencing of voices speaking out against this illegal activity, through tactics such as online harassment, hate speech, and physical violence, is unacceptable and undermines efforts to raise awareness and combat carding fraud.
Additionally, it's essential for parents to understand the potential consequences of exposing their children to mature content and online gaming. As a parent, it's your responsibility to make informed decisions about what your child is exposed to and to protect them from potentially harmful content and experiences.
