darkweb – TOR Scam Report (1)
Onion Link: http://torlinksge6enmcyyuxjpjkoouw4oorgdgeo7ftnq3zodj7g2zxi3kyd.onion
Scam Report Date: 2023/01/06
Client Scam Report Breakdown
Original Report Summary:
Want Madifinil
Introduction: The following scam report titled Want Madifinil pertains to a fraudulent transaction involving the purchase of modafinil on a darknet marketplace. The report indicates that the buyer attempted to acquire the drug, which is commonly used to treat sleep disorders and enhance cognitive performance, but was instead scammed. This breakdown will segment the scam details while citing the original report. Additionally, it will define key terms and provide clarity on the terminology related to the scam and darknet marketplaces.
Scam Report Overview: According to the original report, the user made a purchase of modafinil from a vendor on a marketplace named Cash Cow—a deep web platform. The buyer paid 0.005 Bitcoin (BTC), approximately USD 150 at the time of the transaction, for 100 tablets of modafinil. After making the payment, the user received a confirmation from the vendor. However, after several weeks of waiting, the product never arrived, and communication with the vendor ceased. The buyer attempted to file a dispute with the marketplace’s support, but no resolution was offered, as Cash Cow had minimal oversight over transactions.
In terms of terminology, modafinil is a prescription drug used to treat conditions such as narcolepsy and sleep apnea, but it is also widely used on the dark web as a cognitive enhancer or “smart drug.” The reference to Bitcoin highlights the most common form of cryptocurrency used for transactions in the darknet. Since Bitcoin provides a level of anonymity, it is the preferred method of payment for many illegal transactions. However, the decentralized nature of cryptocurrency also means that scams, like this one, can happen without recourse. The vendor’s failure to deliver the product and the marketplace’s inability to assist indicate a systematic issue within the Cash Cow marketplace.
Analysis and Definitions: The report sheds light on several common issues faced by users engaging in darknet commerce. The buyer fell victim to a common scam: a fraudulent vendor offering a legitimate product—modafinil, in this case—taking payment, but failing to ship the order. This practice is known as an exit scam, where the vendor, after accumulating multiple orders, disappears with the buyers’ funds. In deep web marketplaces, vendors are typically rated based on customer feedback, but in this instance, the vendor may have inflated their rating or manipulated the system, a form of deception often referred to as vendor fraud. This manipulation makes it harder for buyers to detect scams early.
Another important aspect of the scam was the buyer’s reliance on the marketplace’s support system, which ultimately failed them. Cash Cow had no dispute resolution mechanism in place, making it a breeding ground for scams. This highlights the risks associated with engaging in transactions on darknet platforms without robust escrow services. Escrow refers to a third-party service that holds funds during a transaction and only releases the money when both parties are satisfied with the deal. In this case, the absence of escrow left the buyer unprotected and vulnerable to fraud.
Conclusion: The Want Madifinil scam report illustrates the complexities and risks of purchasing goods, particularly controlled substances, on the darknet. The buyer’s experience on Cash Cow emphasizes the importance of vetting vendors, understanding the inherent risks of decentralized payment systems like Bitcoin, and recognizing the lack of regulatory oversight within darknet marketplaces. Additionally, this case highlights the necessity for marketplaces to offer some form of dispute resolution or escrow to protect buyers. Users of such platforms must remain cautious and informed about the marketplace’s integrity and security measures. In conclusion, the Want Madifinil case is a prime example of how vulnerable buyers can be on poorly managed darknet platforms, with limited recourse after a scam has occurred.
