Torbay – TOR Scam Report (204)
Onion Link : http://torbaymimewskrgqn5iur36oequsg5eqvypf5gx5yoedpopmbxcea5qd.onion/
Scam Report Date: 2025/02/25
Client Scam Report Breakdown
Original Report Summary:
The client reports a fraudulent experience on an online marketplace, stating that after placing an order, no one responds to messages—including escrow services and customer support—which the client identifies as fake. Additionally, the report claims that all vendors operating on the platform are fraudulent, making the entire marketplace a scam. This suggests a ghost marketplace, a type of scam where a site is designed to appear as a legitimate marketplace but exists solely to collect payments without delivering any products or services.
Terminology and Scam Techniques
This scam report highlights multiple forms of marketplace fraud. The fake escrow service is a deceptive tactic where scammers create the illusion of a secure transaction system that, in reality, offers no buyer protection. In legitimate marketplaces, escrow services hold funds until the buyer confirms the receipt of goods. However, in fraudulent marketplaces, the escrow is simply a front used to steal money. The fake customer support is another key indicator of a scam, as real marketplaces have dedicated support teams that assist users. The mention of all vendors being fake suggests a closed-loop scam, where the entire platform is operated by a single group of scammers who fabricate vendor profiles to appear trustworthy while never fulfilling orders.
Analysis and Prevention Strategies
This scam follows the fake marketplace model, where fraudsters lure buyers with attractive listings and low prices to encourage purchases. Once a payment is made, the scammers disappear or continue engaging victims with delaying tactics while refusing refunds. To avoid such scams, users should conduct thorough research before using any online marketplace, looking for third-party reviews and scam warnings. Additionally, legitimate platforms offer secure payment options, such as cryptocurrency escrow services with verified transaction histories or reputable third-party payment processors. Victims of such scams should report fraudulent marketplaces to cybercrime authorities and community scam alert websites to warn others and prevent further financial losses.
