We know that there’s something strangely fascinating about the hidden side of the internet (dark web) that curious you. While we don’t encourage venturing into the darknet markets alone, we also understand the curiosity that might lead you here. There are certain things you should know to browse the dark web wisely.
In this post, we will explain what darknet markets really are, how they work, why they exist, common scams on them, and everything else you should know before even thinking about peeking into the web’s darkest corners.
What is the darknet market?
Imagine an underground version of your favorite online marketplace somewhere hidden, exclusive, and often operating outside legal boundaries. That’s what a darknet market basically is. It is similar to an online store, except it’s not the type you’ll find with a quick Google search. Darknet markets exist on the dark web, so you won’t find them the way you can expect to find online stores like Amazon or eBay on your average search engine.
But here’s where it gets tricky. Unlike regular e-commerce sites, darknet markets often deal with illegal or highly restricted goods and services, such as fake documents, hard drugs, and hacking services. Sure, you might come across listings for legit products like handcrafted jewelry or digital art, but those are few and far between. So, what even is this dark web, and why are these marketplaces present there? Let’s discuss that next.
What is the dark web?
The dark web is a hidden section of the internet that you cannot reach with common search engines like Bing or Google. The only way in is through the use of special software that renders all users anonymous and untraceable. Most people use Tor, which stands for The Onion Router.
The dark web itself is not illegal, but it’s largely connected with ill-reputed and illegal operations. That’s why it has such a foreboding and even dangerous reputation. It is used by many for buying or selling items that are prohibited on the regular internet, like fake IDs, illegal drugs, and stolen data.
Of course, not all the popular and widely-used dark web sites and things like marketplace on the darknet are illegal. Some use them due to privacy concerns, such as journalists talking to informants or whistleblowers, while others may simply want to protect their confidential information from observation or tracking. Nevertheless, most people on the internet do not need to communicate or venture into the dark web.
Why are darknet markets found on the dark web?
Now that you understand what the dark web is all about, you might wonder why other people do things on it. Darknet marketplaces like to exist on the dark web because it offers a service that the regular internet, or more accurately, the “surface web,” does not. Which is what exactly? Anonymity and privacy.
The dark web is designed in such a manner that it hides the identities and locations of its visitors. This extra privacy makes it much harder for authorities to track down who runs these markets and where they are located. For these reasons, most of these stores naturally like the dark web due to its protection.
Now, that is not to say illegal behavior is completely beyond detection. Authorities do have means of catching cybercrooks. The dark web combines encryption, anonymity, and hidden doorways to provide the perfect sanctuary for such illicit activity compared to the usual internet, which is more vulnerable and trackable.
What do people sell or exchange on darknet markets?
As we mentioned earlier, not everything sold on dark web markets is illegal. As terrible as its reputation may be, some vendors sell legitimate goods or services. Some customers even use the dark web to make anonymous purchases, especially in areas where privacy is a huge concern. So, not everyone who shops there is looking for something illegal.
However, if we’re being honest, the majority of activity on darknet markets involves illegal or heavily regulated items. In fact, a 2020 study found that almost 57% of sites on the Tor network hosted some form of illegal content.
Let’s review what exactly is being sold on these darknet marketplaces and identify their target buyers.
Guns and weapons
Surprisingly, most guns on the darknet actually start as legal products. That’s right. The UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) maintains that almost all firearms are originally manufactured through legal means.
But somewhere along the line between production and purchasing, things can take a shady turn. For example, an insider or factory employee might quietly slip away with an unmarked gun and sell it online. Once it lands on a darknet marketplace, it becomes part of the illegal weapons trade.
Why do people buy weapons this way? In many countries, strict laws limit who can legally buy, own, or carry firearms. So when someone like a private buyer or criminal group can’t pass the background checks or get the right permits, they usually turn to the dark web to sidestep the rules and get armed without drawing attention.
Illegal or hard drugs
This is probably the most common category. The Guardian once described darknet markets as the “eBay of drug dealing,” and that’s not far off. Whether it’s marijuana, LSD, prescription pills, or harder substances, you’ll always find them listed on these platforms just like products on Amazon.
The dark web gives drug dealers a major advantage since they can sell to customers across the world, not just locally. This expanded reach, combined with anonymity, only makes it easier for them to grow their operations without getting caught immediately.
Stolen personal information
These markets are a hot spot for selling stolen personal data. This can include everything from full names, email logins, and passwords to credit card details, social security numbers, and bank account information. The cybercriminals trade even sensitive documents, such as medical records, passport information, and driver’s licenses.
The fallout for victims whose data is stolen and sold can be devastating. They suffer losses such as identity theft, financial loss, and emotional distress due to damage to their personal and professional lives. Yet, for vendors on the dark web, it’s all about profit. They really don’t care about the plight of the victims whose data has been stolen.
Explicit and illegal content
Unfortunately, the dark web hosts not only explicit but also deeply illegal and disturbing content. The markets often share materials related to child exploitation and non-consensual recordings, both of which are serious crimes that inflict lasting harm on real-life victims. Such content fuels a dangerous cycle of abuse, violence, and exploitation.
As sad and gruesome as it is, the anonymity the dark web provides makes it much harder for law enforcement to track down and prosecute the perpetrators, take down the content, and help the victims. International agencies continue to work tirelessly to shut down such sites and prosecute offenders. Still, the existence of this content is a grim reminder of the dark web’s potential for abuse when left unchecked.
Pirated files
If you take a quick look through darknet marketplaces, you’ll instantly notice an overwhelming supply of pirated content. It not only has last year’s hit movies or old albums. We’re talking about even early access to unreleased music, leaked TV episodes, concert footage, and even popular video games before they officially drop.
But it doesn’t stop at entertainment. Some sellers offer cracked versions of expensive software that you’d typically pay hundreds of dollars for. Others sell pirated ebooks, academic materials, and entire premium courses ripped straight from paid platforms.
The worst part? They sell these files for just a fraction of the original cost on the surface web or even share freely, which makes them tempting for people looking for shortcuts. While it might be tempting, remember that downloading such content has serious legal and cybersecurity risks.
Criminal hacking services
The dark web isn’t just a place for shady shopping. It’s also a marketplace for digital mercenaries – you’ll find everything from solo hackers offering their skills to well-organized groups that take on more complex or high-stakes projects. Some even have connections to criminal organizations and, in more serious cases, government-backed operations.
These hackers don’t hide in the shadows as much as you might think. In fact, many openly advertise their services on darknet forums. What can you hire them for? Anything from planting malware and stealing sensitive files to hijacking email accounts or breaking into social media profiles. Some services even target entire companies or public systems.
While hiring a hacker might sound like something out of a movie, it’s a very real threat. Businesses may use these services to sabotage their competitors, while individuals may seek revenge or simply want access to private information about someone.
How much is stolen data sold for on Darknet Markets?
Reports on darknet show just how much sensitive data is valued on Darknet markets, and the prices are staggering. Hackers can make millions on darket by spending only a few bucks. Below are some prices of different items:
- Payment card data: This was the most sold product on the dark web, typically priced at around $10. Similarly, login details of online accounts and telephone numbers fall within the same range. For example, a stolen streaming platform account may be available for $10, while an Uber account would cost $12. People buy these accounts for free rides, subscription services, or other phishing scams.
- Crypto wallets: To everyone’s surprise, crypto wallets and exchange account logins are worth far more than regular bank accounts. Some of the most expensive digital commodities are Binance accounts, which sell for an average of $395; Kraken accounts, which sell for around $384; and Crypto.com accounts, which average $350.
- Personal and business addresses: When it comes to location data, the EU had the highest prices, with personal addresses selling for $11.40 on average and business addresses going as high as $200. The criminals buy this data so that they can impersonate someone or steal from companies by sending fake invoices or phishing emails. US voter emails, however, surpassed those of the EU and other countries, with an average price of $99.
- International passports: As you may have expected, passport copies top the chart as the most expensive single items. They typically average $600, though the exact price depends on the country of origin. For instance, Argentinian passports cost as little as $9, while Lithuanian, Slovakian, and Czech Republic passports were the most expensive, reaching up to $3,800. Those who purchase stolen passport scans use them to create fake accounts or travel under false identities.
These figures paint a sobering image of what your valuable and sensitive personal data can do when it falls into the wrong hands. While the cost of stolen data may seem exorbitant, especially when bought in bulk, its real cost to victims is usually much higher. Victims of data theft may face disastrous outcomes, including money loss, identity theft, and damage to their credit score.
To put this into context, cybercriminals can use stolen card details to make unauthorized payments, drain accounts, or take out loans against the credit lines of the victims. The worst part is that recovering from these hacks is rarely simple. It is mostly a case of legal battles, perpetual financial issues, and huge emotional anguish.
5 common scams and fraudulent activities on darknet markets
The dark web might seem like a place of pure freedom, but it’s in no way a lawless paradise. It’s actually riddled with all kinds of fraud and scams. Since there are no real regulations or authorities monitoring transactions, buyers and sellers are left on their own, and that makes it easy for the crooks there to exploit others. So, what are some common scams you should watch out for on the dark web?
1. Exit scams
Imagine trusting a site where you’ve been buying or selling for months, and everything seems legit. But one day, without warning, the site vanishes. That’s an exit scam. Some marketplace operators first build trust by running a legitimate platform.
Once many users begin to rely on the site and store funds in escrow, the operators disappear, taking all the money with them and leaving their customers and clients with nothing.
2. Money laundering
Sometimes, people visit the dark web to move dirty money. Some vendors offer services to help people “clean” illegally obtained funds using cryptocurrency and fake transactions. They mix and transfer funds through various privacy wallets and escrow services to hide the original source and make the illicit transactions harder to trace.
While this may all sound sophisticated, it is a financial crime and very risky. Those who use these services can still be traced and prosecuted if caught, especially as law enforcement continues to sharpen its tracking tools.
3. Ponzi schemes
Too-good-to-be-true investment offers are another classic scam on the dark web. Ponzi schemes promise high returns with little to no risk. Early participants may see some profit, but that money usually comes from new victims, not actual earnings. Eventually, the system collapses, and most people lose their entire investment. So, if a “business opportunity” sounds too perfect, it probably is.
4. Malware sales
Many people go to the dark web to buy things they can’t find elsewhere, but what if what you’re buying is also trying to harm you? That’s the reality with malware sales. Scammers on darknet markets claim to offer legit tools or services, but instead provide you with malicious software that can infect your device.
Once you unknowingly install the spyware or ransomware, they can steal your identity or even hijack your crypto wallet.
5. Phishing attacks
Just like on the regular internet, phishing is a big problem on the dark web as well. How do they plan these attacks? Fraudsters create fake versions of popular darknet sites to trick users into entering login details or personal information. If you fall for it and log in, they immediately steal your credentials and either sell or use them for other scams.
On the dark web, even a minor slip-up can cause you big consequences. So, you need to be extremely cautious because the fake sites are often very identical to the real ones, making them dangerously convincing.
The anonymity and lack of rules that define darknet marketplaces are exactly what make them breeding grounds for fraudulent activities. Of course, the promise of secrecy and unfiltered access might lure you in, but those same features are what make the environment so risky.
If for any reason, you decide to visit these hidden corners of the web, ensure you at least study and understand the common traps. Getting familiar with the tactics scammers use will go a long way in helping you protect your online data and assets.
Remember, staying informed is your best defense against misinformation. When you know what to expect, you’re less likely to fall for a trick and should be able to keep your identity safe.
Did Silk Road marketplace go under?
You probably wouldn’t know of Silk Road if you’re new to darknet marketplaces. It was the first big one and the original trailblazer. You could call it the Amazon of the dark web, but it worked only on the Tor browser. Anyone could buy and sell products or services anonymously using Bitcoin.
While you could find all sorts of products on Silk Road, drug sales quickly became prevalent because of the profits it raked in. In fact, by 2013, a Guardian article revealed that about 70% of listings were drug-related. But, like all things in the underworld, it didn’t last.
Later, in 2013, Silk Road caught the attention of law enforcement and policymakers like US Senator Charles Schumer, who publicly called for a federal crackdown. That push led to the arrest of Ross Ulbricht, the founder of Silk Road, after a long and intense investigation.
Ulbricht faced several serious charges, including distributing illegal drugs, running a criminal enterprise, hacking, trafficking fake IDs, and money laundering. In the end, he was sentenced to life in prison for running one of the largest and most scandalous dark web cases in history.
Even though Silk Road is long gone, its impact is still here. It became the blueprint for other dark web marketplaces that tried to take its place. But just like Silk Road, many of them didn’t last forever.
Here are a few that followed in its footsteps and quickly met the same fate:
- Silk Road 2.0: This was supposed to be the comeback version of the original Silk Road and debuted just one month after the original’s shutdown. But the police took it down too in 2014, about a year later.
- Black Goblin Market: This market joined the dark web in 2014 but went down shortly after because of a serious security flaw.
- Utopia: Utopia barely got a chance to exist. It went live in 2014 but stopped operations just eight days later after undercover agents infiltrated the site.
Is there a future for darknet marketplaces?
Even after Silk Road went down, dark web marketplaces haven’t slowed down. In fact, more of them keep popping up and gaining traction. Stopping their growth takes serious effort from US agencies like the FBI, often working hand-in-hand with international law enforcement.
Take 2022, for example. German authorities, working with the FBI, successfully took down Hydra Market, which at the time was the biggest and oldest dark web marketplace. It was a major win. But did it stop others from rising? Not quite.
These days, dark web forum admins are stepping up their game. They’re tightening security and carefully screening anyone who wants to join. This vetting process helps keep the community “clean” from spies, law enforcement, or anyone who might pose a risk. It’s like a private club now. The more secretive and exclusive, the better.
Still, even with these crackdowns and better defenses, dark web markets just keep coming back. One gets shut down, and another takes its place. That cycle hasn’t changed. Why? Because the demand is still there. As long as people want to buy and sell illegal stuff online, be it stolen data, narcotics, drugs, or malware, these markets will keep resurfacing, no matter how many times authorities take them down.
How can I protect my personal data online?
Let’s be real for a second. Your personal information might already be going around on the dark web. Between data breaches, malware, and phishing scams, it doesn’t take much for your sensitive information to end up in the wrong hands.
Sometimes, you might be hacked by using weak passwords or even just connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi on public networks. And in a world where almost everything we do is online, taking your digital privacy seriously is more important than ever. So, what can you do? First things first, always use strong and different passwords for each account you open.
Then, you can set up 2FA (two-factor authentication) for that extra touch of security in case someone somehow figures out your password. What else? If you ever have to connect to public Wi-Fi, make sure to use a VPN to keep your browsing safe and private.
And, of course, think twice before sharing too much personal information online. Even the smallest details about you can be useful to cybercriminals. That all is for general internet activities, you can guess how crucial having a VPN is when you hop onto a thing like dark web.
If you want more peace of mind, NordVPN has a dark web monitoring tool you can consider using. This handy feature monitors the dark web for signs that your login details or other personal info have been leaked.
It scans darknet marketplaces and hacker forums to alert you instantly if anything shows up. This way, you can catch any leaks and stop them before they cause bigger problems.
Do you already have a NordVPN subscription? To turn it on, just go to the “Settings” and then the “Tools” section of the NordVPN app and activate “Dark Web Monitoring.” In the end, it’s all about staying one step ahead. The more proactive you are, the better you can protect yourself against identity theft and other cyber threats.
Popular dark web marketplaces
Are there any darknet marketplaces still operational in 2025? Security researchers are monitoring hidden forums and communities where cybercriminals gather to investigate the top sites in service. Here are some of them:
1. Torzon market
Torzon Market showed up on the dark web in September 2022, and it’s been growing steadily ever since. These days, it lists over 11,600 illegal items, including hard drugs, hacking tools, and all kinds of cybercrime services. It also runs on the Tor network, which helps keep things anonymous.
One interesting aspect about Torzon is how it builds trust. It brings in vendor reviews from other places and verifies them using PGP signatures, so buyers can feel a bit more confident about who they’re dealing with. There’s also a premium account option for users who want extra benefits. And when it comes to paying, the site sticks to Bitcoin (BTC) and Monero (XMR) to keep transactions private.
2. WeTheNorth
While this market started in Canada in 2021, WeTheNorth now sells to both Canadian and international users. It’s a market for fake documents, malware, and financial fraud services. WeTheNorth has a strong community vibe, with an active forum where users interact and share updates. But it’s not open to just anyone.
Plus, there’s a thorough vetting process for new buyers and sellers to keep the community more secure. In a way, it feels more like a private club than an open market, and that’s exactly how the operators want it.
3. BidenCash
BidenCash is another latest marketplace that started in 2022, and is now home to sensitive financial data transactions. This is where cybercriminals go to buy and sell things like stolen credit card numbers, personally identifiable information (PII), and even SSH login details. One thing that distinguishes BidenCash on the dark web, however, is how it markets itself.
The site gives out free samples of the stolen data every now and then to gain more customers. It also uses a strict authentication process to deter scammers. With its fast rise to fame and focus on money fraud, it’s no surprise that cybersecurity experts are keeping a very close eye on this one.
4. Russian market
Don’t let the name fool you. The Russian Market isn’t exclusive to Russian-speaking clients. In fact, everything is in English, and the site picks up users everywhere in the world. What sells there? People visit this Mather to buy stolen credit cards, personal information, remote desktop account credentials, and logs gathered from information-stealing malware.
You can even find things such as BIN checkers and PayPal cookie converters. Another reason Russian Market is so popular is that it’s pretty inexpensive compared to other dark web marketplaces.
5. Brian’s Club
Just as there are new entrants, the dark web has its veteran markets too, and Brian’s Club is one such market. It has been in operation for more than a decade since its debut in 2014. Brian’s Club is one of the best place to buy stolen credit card info, including CVVs, dumps, and even full account packages without revealing your identity.
The marketplace supports multiple payment methods, including Bitcoin (BTC), Litecoin (LTC), and Cryptocheck. They add new batches of stolen data every other week, and there’s even a bidding system where buyers can place offers on new data batches as soon as they become available.
6. STYX market
Wondering if there’s an OG darknet market for financial crimes? Cybersecurity experts believe STYX is the one. The market trades in stolen credit card data, hacked bank accounts, and services to facilitate the laundering of cryptocurrency.
One of the things STYX is infamous for is having a rigorous verification process for users that makes it seem more exclusive. They even have a Telegram channel to provide their clients with live updates. How do you pay to employ their services? STYX supports Bitcoin (BTC), Monero (XMR), and other crypto tokens to keep everyone’s identity hidden on this marketplace.
7. Abacus market
Next up is Abacus, another newer market that has already made a massive name for itself, especially following AlphaBay’s closure. It contains 40,000+ listings for products and is worth an estimated $15 million, so it’s one of the largest markets out there.
People go on to buy literally anything. Want to get illegal drugs, fake passports, malware, or other cyber attack software? Abacus Market is your sure plug.
FAQs
No, accessing the dark web is not illegal in most countries. However, engaging in illicit activities, like buying drugs or fake passports while on the dark web, is a criminal offense. It’s the content and how you use it that determines its legality, not the dark web itself.
Cybercriminals go on dark web marketplaces to buy and sell illicit goods and services. They engage in financial crime and sell other people’s stolen personal information, since they’re under the veil of anonymity.
The most common browser people use to go on the dark web is the Tor browser. It connects to the Tor network and allows you to visit .onion websites that are not indexed by search engines. There are also other browsers like I2P and Freenet that will allow you to access the darknet, but Tor is still the most used one.
If you’re using a browser like Tor and visiting .onion websites that aren’t accessible through regular search engines or browsers, you’re likely on the dark web. These sites often look basic or outdated, and their URLs are lengthy strings of random letters and numbers. Keep in mind that visiting the dark web isn’t illegal, but engaging in criminal activity there is.
People use the dark web for both legal and illegal purposes. On one hand, it offers privacy for whistleblowers, journalists, and citizens in oppressive countries. On the other hand, it’s notorious for enabling illegal activity, including drug sales, weapons trafficking, counterfeit ID trading, hacking services, and the exchange of stolen personal data.
You can use dark web monitoring tools, such as NordVPN’s Dark Web Monitor, to check if your data has been leaked. These tools scan dark web forums and marketplaces for any signs of your compromised credentials.
If you happen to see your data on the darknet, you’re not safe. Immediately change your passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and notify your bank or credit card provider if the leaked information includes your financial data. You should also consider freezing your credit to prevent identity theft.
The dark web wasn’t created by a single person. However, you can trace its roots to the development of technologies like the Tor network or Freenet. In March 2000, an Irish grad student named Ian Clarke created the software application, Freenet. This was the initial framework for anonymous communication and file sharing. Later in 2022, the US Naval Research Laboratory built on Freenet’s idea to create a secure and encrypted network for sensitive communications, which was later released to the public as open-source software. As a result, people can now access the dark web using the tool.
