🚫 Avoiding Scams Guide

The most prevalent scams on darknet markets include: phishing sites that steal your login credentials, exit scams where vendors or markets disappear with funds, FE scams where vendors request payment release before delivery, and selective scamming where established vendors periodically defraud buyers while maintaining a good reputation.

Watch for these warning signs: vendors who insist on FE, vendors with many recent negative reviews, listings with stock photos instead of original images, vendors who ask you to contact them on external platforms, prices significantly below market average, and vendors who ask for additional payment after an order is placed.

Follow these essential anti-scam practices: always use escrow — never finalize early on first transactions; start with small test orders before committing to larger purchases; verify vendor PGP keys across multiple platforms; never communicate outside the market messaging system; be suspicious of prices significantly below market average; ignore urgent "limited time" pressure tactics; report suspicious vendors to market administrators; and keep detailed records of all transactions for potential disputes.