Wiki / Safety & OPSEC Tips

๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Safety & OPSEC Tips

Beginner โฑ๏ธ 8-10 minutes Essential Updated: November 2025

Essential safety tips, scam prevention, vendor selection, order safety, harm reduction, and legal risk information for darknet marketplace users.

โšก The Golden Rules

  1. ALWAYS use Tor Browser - Never access without it
  2. ALWAYS encrypt with PGP - Never send plaintext addresses
  3. ONLY use Monero (XMR) - Bitcoin is traceable
  4. NEVER finalize early - You lose escrow protection
  5. VERIFY .onion addresses - Phishing steals everything
  6. START SMALL - Test vendors with small orders first

Essential Do's and Don'ts

โœ… ALWAYS DO

  • Check vendor reviews and ratings
  • Use escrow (never direct deals)
  • Test substances with reagent kits
  • Use fake name for deliveries
  • Practice harm reduction
  • Read product descriptions fully

โŒ NEVER DO

  • Finalize early for new vendors
  • Share login credentials
  • Click external links in messages
  • Accept "special deals" via PM
  • Sign for packages
  • Panic if delivery is late

๐ŸŽญ Scam Prevention

Common Scam Types

๐Ÿšซ Phishing Sites

Prevention: Bookmark verified .onion, check URL character-by-character, verify on Dread and Dark.fail

๐Ÿšซ Fake Vendors

Prevention: Check account age (>3 months), verify PGP fingerprint, read recent reviews, start small

๐Ÿšซ Selective Scamming

Prevention: Never place orders over comfort limit, use escrow always, watch for sudden review changes

๐Ÿšซ PM Scams

Prevention: Admins NEVER PM first, verify PGP signatures, never click PM links

๐Ÿšซ Exit Scams

Prevention: Use walletless escrow, never store funds on market, withdraw immediately after completion

โญ Vendor Selection

โœ… Green Flags (Good Signs)

  • Account age > 6 months
  • 100+ successful orders
  • Rating 4.8+ stars
  • Recent positive reviews
  • Detailed product descriptions
  • Clear shipping terms
  • PGP key in profile
  • Responsive to messages
  • Lab-verified products

๐Ÿšฉ Red Flags (Avoid)

  • Account age < 3 months
  • Rating < 4.5 stars
  • Negative reviews about non-delivery
  • Requests finalize early (FE)
  • Offers deals outside market
  • No PGP key
  • Pressures quick decisions
  • Name spelling errors (impersonation)
  • Doesn't respond to messages

Reading Reviews

Don't just look at stars! Read review text for:

  • Shipping time details
  • Stealth packaging quality
  • Product accuracy
  • Communication quality
  • Issue resolution

๐Ÿ“ฆ Order Safety

Safe Ordering Process

  1. Pre-Order: Verify vendor, read description, prepare XMR, setup PGP
  2. Placing Order: Encrypt address with vendor PGP, use fake name, fund with XMR
  3. After Ordering: Wait patiently, don't spam vendor, never sign for packages
  4. Package Arrival: Accept casually, wait 24-48hrs before opening if suspicious
  5. After Delivery: Test substance, finalize in escrow period, leave honest review

Shipping Address Safety

Safe: Your residence with fake name on mailbox

Unsafe: Work, PO Box, hotels, abandoned buildings, others' addresses without permission

What If Package Doesn't Arrive?

  • Wait full shipping time + 7 days
  • Message vendor politely
  • Open dispute before auto-finalize
  • Provide evidence

๐Ÿš” Love Letter (Customs Seizure)

DO: Nothing. Throw away. Wait 2-3 months before ordering again.

DON'T: Respond, contact customs, claim package, or admit knowledge.

๐Ÿšจ Controlled Delivery

Warning signs: Requires signature, suspicious delivery person, resealed package

Action: NEVER sign suspicious packages. If accepted, wait 48-72hrs before opening. If police arrive: REMAIN SILENT, request lawyer.

๐Ÿ’Š Harm Reduction

This section promotes safety for those who choose to use. We don't encourage use, but acknowledge people will regardless and should do so safely.

Essential Practices

๐Ÿงช Test Your Substances

  • Use reagent test kits
  • Test every new batch
  • Fentanyl test strips for opioids/powders

โš–๏ธ Start Low, Go Slow

  • Start with 1/4 to 1/2 dose
  • Wait full duration before redosing
  • Darknet quality often higher than street

๐Ÿ‘ฅ Never Use Alone

  • Have sober friend present
  • Use "Never Use Alone" hotline
  • Have Naloxone (Narcan) for opioids

๐Ÿ“š Research First

  • Know dose ranges (Erowid, PsychonautWiki)
  • Understand effects and duration
  • Check drug interactions

โš ๏ธ Dangerous Combinations

  • Opioids + Benzodiazepines: Respiratory depression, death
  • Opioids + Alcohol: Respiratory depression, death
  • Stimulants + Alcohol: Masks intoxication
  • MDMA + SSRIs: Serotonin syndrome
  • Tramadol + Antidepressants: Seizures

โš–๏ธ Legal Risks

Educational information only - not legal advice. Consult a lawyer for legal matters.

Risk Levels

Lower Risk: Small personal quantities, domestic orders, proper OPSEC

Moderate Risk: International orders, larger quantities, Schedule I substances

High Risk: Trafficking amounts, distribution evidence, multiple seizures, poor OPSEC

If Law Enforcement Contacts You

1. REMAIN SILENT

Say: "I invoke my right to remain silent. I want to speak to a lawyer."

Then STOP TALKING.

2. Request Lawyer IMMEDIATELY

Keep repeating: "I want a lawyer"

3. Never Consent to Searches

Say: "I do not consent to any searches"

4. Document Everything

Remember officer names, badge numbers, what was said

Remember: Receiving a package is not proof of guilt. You must have knowledge and intent. Never admit to ordering anything.

๐ŸŽฏ Final Reminders

  • โœ… Use escrow always
  • โœ… Start with test orders
  • โœ… Verify everything
  • โœ… Test substances
  • โœ… Practice OPSEC
  • โœ… Trust your instincts
  • โœ… Be patient
  • โœ… Learn continuously
Remember: Safety is not paranoia. Taking precautions seriously is the mark of an experienced user.