Critical Safety Tips & Best Practices
Critical safety tips to avoid scams, protect yourself, and recognize red flags.
🚩 Red Flags - AVOID These Vendors
❌ Requires Finalize Early (FE)
Legitimate vendors don't require FE. This is #1 scam indicator.
❌ New Vendor with No Reviews
Start with established vendors (100+ reviews). New vendor = higher risk.
❌ Prices Too Good to Be True
50% below market price? Scam. Real vendors have costs.
❌ Poor Communication
No response to messages, broken English, generic replies = red flag.
❌ Pushy or Rushing
"Order now! Limited time!" - Scammers create urgency.
❌ Asks for Direct Payment
"Pay directly to my wallet" - NEVER bypass escrow.
✅ Green Flags - Trusted Vendors
- ✅ 500+ positive reviews
- ✅ Active for 6+ months
- ✅ <5% dispute rate
- ✅ Fast response times
- ✅ Detailed product descriptions
- ✅ Professional communication
- ✅ Clear refund/reship policy
Scam Prevention Checklist
Common Scams
1. Exit Scam
Marketplace suddenly disappears with user funds.
Prevention: Never leave large amounts in market wallet. Withdraw after purchase.
2. Phishing Sites
Fake marketplace copies steal login credentials.
Prevention: Bookmark official mirror. Verify URL every time. Check PGP signed messages.
3. Selective Scamming
Vendor builds reputation, then scams large orders.
Prevention: Check recent reviews. Avoid suspiciously large discounts.
4. Vendor Impersonation
Scammer creates account with similar name to trusted vendor.
Prevention: Verify PGP fingerprint. Check account age. Look for extra characters in name.
Safe Ordering Practices
- Start with small test order ($20-50)
- Research vendor thoroughly (reviews, history, disputes)
- Use Monero for maximum privacy
- Encrypt shipping address with vendor's PGP
- Use fake/alias name for delivery
- Don't sign for packages (implies knowledge)
- Wait few hours before opening (observe for surveillance)
Package Delivery Safety
If Package Arrives:
- Don't immediately open it
- Check for signs of tampering
- Wait 2-3 hours (observe for controlled delivery)
- If suspicious, don't open - claim "wrong address"
If Package Seized:
- You may receive "Love Letter" from customs
- DO NOT RESPOND
- Do not contact vendor on clearnet
- Clean house immediately (evidence disposal)
- Consult lawyer if necessary
Legal Risk Mitigation
- Plausible deniability: "Anyone could send to my address"
- Don't sign for packages
- Don't admit knowledge of contents
- Don't discuss on social media/phone
- Right to remain silent: Use it
What NOT to Do
- ❌ Brag about purchases
- ❌ Post on social media
- ❌ Tell friends/family
- ❌ Use personal email/phone
- ❌ Reuse Bitcoin addresses
- ❌ Access marketplace from phone
- ❌ Keep cryptocurrency in market wallet
- ❌ Save sensitive files unencrypted
Emergency Response
If Compromised:
- Change all passwords immediately
- Withdraw all funds
- Generate new PGP keys
- Wipe device or reinstall OS
- Consider new marketplace account
If Raided:
- Say nothing without lawyer
- Do not consent to searches
- Request lawyer immediately
- Full disk encryption protects evidence