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Transitioning to level two, hackers found themselves capable of making hundreds of dollars. They began scaling their operations, either through automation or through increasingly sophisticated methods, including fraud and social engineering. The focus shifted toward acquiring products for free before reselling them to eager buyers, culminating in a community rife with deceit and deception.
Climbing the Ranks of Cybercrime
Once hackers reached level three, they became advanced operators in the game, generating significant incomes. The allure of high profits—up to $10,000 a month—encouraged many to deepen their illegal pursuits. A base of loyal customers expected a consistent supply of stolen services and authentic merch, often processed through nefarious tactics like refunding.