Darknet Markets See COVID-19 Scams and Fraudulent Medical Supply Listings
Summary
DarkOwl reports COVID-19-related offers and discussions on darknet platforms, including allegedly infected bodily fluids, purported vaccines, masks and sanitizer. The article warns that many listings appear fraudulent and describes pandemic-driven discussion channels.
Key points
- DarkOwl observed a vendor allegedly offering COVID-19-infected bodily fluids for $1,000; the article describes the offer as a scam.
- Marketplace vendors claimed to sell COVID-19 vaccines and antidotes, without evidence in the article that the products were genuine.
- Listings offered masks at widely varying prices, including a single mask priced at $342; some sellers also claimed to offer stolen masks.
- At least one hand-sanitizer listing appeared on Tor, according to the article.
- COVID-19-specific forums and Telegram channels had emerged for general discussion and, in some cases, people under quarantine.
- The article says it would continue monitoring how the pandemic and related supply constraints affected darknet markets.
Article Details
- Event Type
- Darknet activity and scams exploiting the COVID-19 outbreak, including listings for purported infected bodily fluids, vaccines, masks, and hand sanitizer.
- Impact
- The article reports deceptive or dubious marketplace listings that appear to capitalize on pandemic fears, including an alleged sale of COVID-19-infected fluids that the source says is most certainly a scam. It also describes claims of vaccine access, listings for medical masks and hand sanitizer, and COVID-19 discussion forums and Telegram channels. No confirmed infections, financial losses, or specific victims are reported.