They were big in the late 80’s but everyone would get caught. Why? The secret service would establish a common denominator and see that the fake cards ( which looked fake) were used at stores where the owners or worker would have to be in on it. They woiuld lean on them and someone always cracked.
Stolen cards( are different). A few purchases then ditch it. If spending patterns are broken the CC company will have the store clerk “ call in “ and u will be asked personal info. They ( fraud dept )also keep u on hold while they call the actual card holders to see if they are home and fraud is involved. They then ask to speak to the clerk who is instructed to call security while u are sitting there. Pro’s do have safe guards tnough.