Top 8 Common Scams on the Dark Web and How to Avoid Them

If you’ve ever heard of the dark web, you probably think of it as a dangerous, hidden part of the internet where hackers and criminals hang out. And, let’s face it, you’re not entirely wrong.

The dark web is this part of the internet that you just can’t navigate through Google. To do that, you will need a specialized software like Tor(The Onion Router). While some people use it for legal and legitimate reasons, it is also a hotbed of fraud. 

And believe me when there's a place where every legal thing also seems fishy, you can't get rid of dangerous scams and financial or data losses. There are common scams to be aware of, and how to avoid them if you want to know to venture into this shady world (not that I encourage it!). 

In this blog, Lurking Stories has covered 8 common scams on the Dark Web and ways to avoid them. 

Dark web is like an ocean and to deep dive into it, you would love to read our detailed article on The Dark Web and What lies beneath the surface.

Common scams on the dark web

1- Phishing Scam

These are everywhere on the internet, but on the dark web, they’re even stealthier. Scammers create fake marketplaces or forums that look super legit. You will be tricked into entering your login information or cryptocurrency wallet key. Once they have your information, boom—they’ve got access to your stuff. It’s like entrusting your wallet to a stranger.

2- Scam Markets And Vendors

Imagine ordering something online, paying a ton of money, and then… nothing. That’s what happens in the scam markets of the dark web. Sellers may list products or services that are illegal, but it’s just fraud. They take your money and disappear like magic—but not the cool ones. 

If this blog fascinated you enough to know about the Dark Web, then don't forget to check out How to Safely Access Dark Web in 2025.

3- Ransomware-as-a-Service

And the wild. Some people actually try to buy ransomware (a type of malware) to use against others. But here’s the twist: the “salesmen” themselves are frauds. They will sell you something useless or infect your computer instead. Talk about action!

4- Hitman Scam

Okay, this is straight out of a crime show. Some websites say you can hire an assassin for a price where the supposed hitman takes payment but doesn't carry out the requested action. To catch the would-be criminals, even law enforcements are impersonated as hitman in some cases. Too filmy right? But that's true!

5- Cryptocurrency fraud

Crypto is the main currency on the dark web, and scammers are taking full advantage of it. They will steal your money, offer too good an investment opportunity, or trick you into sharing your keys and before you know it, your bitcoin is gone.

6- Data Identity Theft 

The humor in this. People go to the dark web to buy stolen data like credit card numbers or personal information. But more often than not, the data is falsified or outdated, and the buyer is ultimately misled. He serves them well, I guess?

In simple words, criminals who promise to sell stolen databases and sensitive data might provide fabricated or wrong data in some cases.

7- Exit Scam

This type of scam involves an individual or group of criminals set up a marketplace in dark web, promising to sell illegitimate products or services. And by gaining attention of buyers and sellers, they try to gain their trust and then suddenly vanish from the marketplace after shutting it down secretly with all the funds deposited by users, leaving them with a huge financial loss. 

8- Hacking Services Scams

On the dark web, you might find hackers very easily, but mind that criminals who will claim to provide hacking services such as e-mail, private databases, and websites may be fooling you. These criminals will take advance payments for the hacking services which they never deliver and just vanish after taking payments.

Always remember one thing in mind, Dark Web is a place where anonymous identities are involved in illicit activities. So if you got scammed on the dark web then there are less chances that you get your lost money back. So it's either a win-win situation or a die-die one.

Why do people fall for this scam?

The dark curtains are like a secret rod, causing people to let their guard down. They think anonymity gives them security, but that’s what scammers rely on. Some people are too curious or greedy, and end up resorting to shady salespeople which is a big mistake.

Do you believe that Dark Web only contains illicit activities and is entirely illegal to use? But the reality says otherwise, Click here to read Top 10 Myths related to dark web you believed.

How to avoid scams on the dark web?

1. Verification of Sources 

When surfing the dark web (don’t judge), be sure to double check URLs and vendor names. Use forums or communities that share scam warnings. 

2. Use Escrow Services 

If you have to make a transaction, use forums with escrow. So, your money is released once the contract is valid—or at least released as it happens on the dark web. 

3. Don’t Share Personal Information 

Seriously, don’t do that. Not your name, not your email, and certainly not your passwords. Scammers can use that information against you. 

4. Stay Informed 

Follow blogs, forums, or communities that expose fraud. The more you know, the less likely you are get to fooled. 

5. Use Secure Connections 

If you’re going to browse the dark web, make sure you have a good VPN and keep your browser up to date. You don’t want someone tracking you or hacking your device.

6. Stick to the legal stuff

In fact, the best way to avoid fraud is to avoid illegal activities. If you're just looking to be curious, fine. But stay away from anything sketchy. 

Final Thoughts

The dark web may seem like this mysterious and fascinating place, but it is full of traps and deception. If you’re not careful, you could lose your money, your data, and even get in serious trouble. My advice? Be smart, stay safe, and maybe follow the regular internet—it’s as shady as it gets!