Which of the following is NOT a common type of payment card fraud?

In the context of payment card fraud, profiling is not recognized as a common tactic employed by fraudsters. Instead, profiling generally refers to an investigative technique used to analyze and identify patterns of behavior, often in relation to criminal activities. While profiling can be useful in understanding criminal behavior or predicting future crimes, it does not directly involve the manipulation or unauthorized use of payment cards.

On the other hand, card counterfeiting and skimming are well-documented methods of payment card fraud. Card counterfeiting involves the creation of fake cards using stolen card information, typically through the use of technology that copies the details from legitimate cards. Skimming happens when devices are used to capture card details from legitimate cards during transactions, such as at ATMs or point-of-sale terminals.

Advance payments, while not as prevalent as the other two methods, can involve fraudulent schemes where individuals or companies request payment upfront for goods or services that are never delivered, which can include scenarios using payment cards. Therefore, among the options provided, profiling stands out as unrelated to the mechanics of payment card fraud.