Safety Tips & Best Practices
Essential safety tips for darknet marketplace usage: avoiding scams, recognizing phishing, operational security, harm reduction, and legal awareness.
Avoiding Scams
- Check vendor ratings and verified reviews before purchasing
- Never Finalize Early (FE) unless vendor is highly trusted
- Be wary of too-good-to-be-true prices
- Verify PGP-signed communications from vendors
Operational Security (OPSEC)
- Use dedicated device for darknet access (Tails OS recommended)
- Never discuss orders through unencrypted channels
- Avoid accessing from public WiFi
- Clear browser data after each session
Harm Reduction
- Start with small test orders from new vendors
- Research substances before purchasing
- Never mix substances without research
- Keep emergency contacts available
🚩 Scam Red Flags
Too Good To Be True Prices
If a vendor's prices are 50%+ below competitors, it's likely a scam. Scammers lure victims with unrealistic deals.
Requests for Finalize Early (FE)
Legitimate vendors don't need FE. If vendor pressures you to FE, it's a scam setup. WeTheNorth prohibits FE.
New Vendor with No Reviews
Start with small test order from new vendors. Check Dread forum for vendor reputation research.
Off-Platform Communication
Vendors asking to move to Telegram, Wickr, or email are often setting up scams. Use marketplace messaging only.
Generic Product Photos
Stock photos downloaded from internet indicate vendor doesn't have product. Look for unique timestamp photos.
No PGP Key / Won't Use PGP
WeTheNorth requires vendors to use PGP. If vendor refuses, they're not legitimate.
🔒 Protecting Against Phishing
Phishing is the #1 threat on darknet markets. Scammers create fake WeTheNorth sites to steal credentials and funds.
How to Avoid Phishing:
- Bookmark Verified .onion: After PGP-verifying link, bookmark it. Never search for links.
- Check Anti-Phishing Image: Your custom image must display on login page. No image = phishing site.
- Verify URL Exactly: Even one character difference means phishing (wethenth0rth vs wethenorth).
- Use Mnemonic Code: Real WeTheNorth shows your mnemonic code on login. Phishing sites can't.
- Never Click Links in Messages: Type .onion address manually every time.
⚖️ Legal Awareness & Risk Mitigation
Participation in darknet marketplaces carries serious legal risks.
Understand the Risks:
- Possession, purchase, or sale of controlled substances is illegal in most jurisdictions
- Law enforcement monitors darknet markets (Operation Dark HunTor, Operation DisrupTor)
- Package interception can lead to controlled deliveries and arrests
- Marketplace seizures expose user data to authorities
- International shipping increases customs risk and legal exposure
Risk Mitigation (Not Legal Advice):
- Understand laws in your jurisdiction before proceeding
- Domestic shipping within Canada reduces customs interception risk
- Small quantities attract less law enforcement attention than bulk orders
- Never sign for packages requiring signature
- If package is intercepted, do NOT communicate with authorities without lawyer
🏥 Harm Reduction Principles
If purchasing substances, prioritize health and safety:
🧪 Test Your Substances
Use reagent test kits (DanceSafe, EZtest) to verify product identity and detect adulterants. Fentanyl test strips are critical.
📏 Start with Small Doses
Unknown purity levels make overdose risk high. Start with 1/4 expected dose, wait 1-2 hours, assess effects.
👥 Never Use Alone
Have trusted person present or use "Never Use Alone" hotline (1-800-484-3731 in US). Naloxone (Narcan) reverses opioid overdoses.
📚 Research Before Use
Understand dosage, effects, interactions, and contraindications. Resources: Erowid.org, PsychonautWiki, TripSit.
🚑 Emergency Resources
If you or someone you know needs help:
- Overdose Emergency: Call 911 / local emergency services immediately. Good Samaritan laws protect callers in most jurisdictions.
- Never Use Alone Hotline (US): 1-800-484-3731 - Virtual support during substance use
- Poison Control (US): 1-800-222-1222
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 (US), 686868 (Canada), 85258 (UK)
- SAMHSA National Helpline (US): 1-800-662-4357 - Substance abuse treatment referrals
Continue Learning
Explore more comprehensive guides to ensure safe marketplace usage.