Cracking Cards is a fraudulent scheme that involves depositing a stolen or counterfeit check into an unsuspecting individual's bank account and swiftly withdrawing the funds using their debit card before the bank identifies the fraud. This scam is believed to have originated in the South Side of Chicago and is increasingly prevalent across the United States, costing banks millions of dollars annually.
How the Scam Works
Scammers frequently target financially vulnerable individuals, particularly college students, who are estimated to comprise about 25 percent of the victims. They entice these individuals by offering a small cash incentive in exchange for their card and PIN numbers. Additionally, scammers leverage social media platforms to promote their illicit services, promising to deposit money into victims' bank accounts and allowing them to retain a portion. Unfortunately, victims often end up with nothing but negative balances as the deposited checks turn out to be fake.
Cracking Cards and Drill Music
Drill Music, a genre that also emerged from the South Side of Chicago, often features rappers who glorify cracking cards alongside other criminal activities associated with gang culture in the area. For instance, in Lil Bibby's song "How We Move" featuring King Louie, Louie raps about "Balling hard no sub sh*t - Cracking cards all dub sh*t." Similarly, in Chief Keef's "Balling," he boasts, "I be countin’ them stacks - Crackin’ cards, get back - I gets me a big check."