Complete Guide to Darknet Scam Protection

Scams are the biggest threat to darknet users. From exit scams to phishing attacks, understanding how fraudsters operate is your first line of defense.

Exit Scams

Exit scams occur when a vendor or marketplace accumulates user funds and then disappears. Warning signs include: sudden changes in escrow policies, unusually low prices, pressure to finalize early, and reduced communication from administrators. Monitor forum discussions for early warnings.

Phishing Sites

Phishing sites clone the appearance of legitimate services to steal login credentials and cryptocurrency. Always verify URLs through trusted sources, use 2FA where available, and never enter your seed phrase or private keys on any website.

Escrow Best Practices

Always use escrow when available. Never agree to direct payments or finalize-early requests from vendors you haven't established trust with. Escrow protects both buyers and sellers by holding funds until the transaction is confirmed.