Decoding Cyber Fraud Schemes and the Rise of ‘Fraud-as-a-Service’

Dark web marketplaces have over time become the center of all illegitimate actions and a major challenge to law enforcement and cybersecurity professionals. This study will detail the dynamics within such platforms, with a narrow focus on prevalent cyber fraud schemes. Through digital ethnography and records analysis, merged data mining and forensic tools in studying 50 dark web marketplaces over 18 months. Our results have defined five main schemes, namely credential stuffing, RaaS, phishing kits, carding, and money mulling services. Organizational structures, cost models, and changes in tactics of each were subjected to systematic analysis. Observed the emergence of a 'fraud-as-a-service' model with relatively low barriers to entry for new entrants. The paper also draws attention to emerging gaps in modern cybersecurity practices and legislation that must form the basis of further work that should also bring in more active international cooperation, robust AI-based monitoring, and focused awareness campaigns. This study extends the existing knowledge of cybercriminal activities and provides practical policy recommendations for stakeholders, such as decision-makers, police authorities, or IT security professionals.