In the underground world of cybercrime, the terms credit card dumps, fullz, and CVV shops are not just jargon — they represent a massive economy of digital theft, identity fraud, and black-market operations.
If you’re curious about how these elements work together, or how criminals buy and sell this data through dark web markets, this guide breaks it down.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This article is for educational and research purposes only. It does not condone or promote illegal activity.
What Are Credit Card Dumps?
Credit card dumps are raw data copied from the magnetic stripe of a card — either Track 1, Track 2, or both. These are obtained using skimmers, POS malware, or large-scale data breaches.
Dumps allow criminals to clone a physical card, making them ideal for in-person fraud like ATM withdrawals or store purchases.
Related Terms
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Track 1 data: Includes the cardholder’s name and account number.
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Track 2 data: Usually contains just the account number and expiration date.
➡️ Learn more about magnetic stripe data
What Are Fullz?
Fullz (slang for “full information”) refers to a complete identity profile of a person, which usually includes:
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Full name
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Social Security number (SSN)
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Date of birth
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Address
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Phone number
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Email
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Bank account/credit card info
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CVV code
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Mother’s maiden name (often for verification)
Criminals use fullz for synthetic identity fraud, loan applications, and account takeovers. Fullz are extremely valuable because they enable deep impersonation.
➡️ FTC resource on identity theft
Where Are Dumps and Fullz Bought?
Most of this data is traded through dark web markets, encrypted forums, or specialized CVV shops. These platforms typically use cryptocurrency for anonymous payments.
Common Marketplaces (as of recent years)
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Russian Market (known for fullz and login dumps)
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Genesis Market (recently seized by global law enforcement)
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Berlusconi Market (previously sold fullz and card data)
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Dedicated CVV shops like Aurora, Joker’s Stash (defunct), and UniCC (shut down in 2022)
Most markets are accessible only via Tor (.onion links) and operate with reputation systems, escrow services, and vendor profiles to build trust.
➡️ Check Tor Project’s guide to access .onion services
What Is a CVV Dump?
A CVV dump refers to stolen credit card information including the CVV2 code (the 3-digit number on the back of the card), expiration date, and billing address.
This data is ideal for card-not-present (CNP) fraud — such as making purchases online or over the phone. Criminals often pair CVVs with fullz to pass verification.
How CVV Shops Work
CVV shops are automated web stores where buyers can filter credit cards by:
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BIN (Bank Identification Number)
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Country
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Expiration date
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Card type (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)
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Price
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Validity
Once payment is made (usually in Bitcoin, Monero, or Tether), the data is instantly downloadable.
➡️ Chainalysis: Cryptocurrency and cybercrime report
Common Features of Dumps/Fullz Shops
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| BIN search | Target cards by issuer or location |
| Validity checker | Ensures live cards via automated testing |
| Refund policy | Some vendors offer % refund on dead cards |
| Reviews/rating | Users rate vendors for accuracy & consistency |
| Card type selection | Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover, etc. |
How Do Criminals Use Dumps and Fullz?
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Clone cards using dumps for in-store fraud.
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Use fullz to open new lines of credit or file tax returns.
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Exploit CVVs for online purchases or account takeovers.
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Sell bundles of data on darknet forums.
➡️ US DOJ: Recent cases on credit card fraud
How to Protect Yourself
With dumps and fullz sold like commodities, here’s how you can protect yourself:
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Freeze your credit with Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
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Use virtual cards for online purchases (e.g., Privacy.com).
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Enable multi-factor authentication.
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Monitor accounts for unusual activity and use fraud alerts.
Final Thoughts
The underground world of buying credit card dumps and fullz is a complex economy that thrives on stolen identities and hacked data. Understanding how CVV dumps, shops, and darknet markets operate is crucial for researchers, cybersecurity analysts, and anyone concerned about digital fraud.
As takedowns increase, the fraud ecosystem adapts — proving that cybercrime is not just about data, but about economics, technology, and psychology.
Stay aware. Stay protected.
