What is the dark web, and why is it so synonymous with novelty fakes?
The “dark web”, often portrayed as a mysterious underworld by sensationalist media, is simply a collection of websites accessible only through specialised software like TOR (The Onion Router). This protocol routes traffic through multiple layers – like peeling an onion – to anonymise users and hosts. Whilst designed to enhance privacy, it’s not infallible: traffic analysis has occasionally identified users despite these protections.
Over the past decade, Dark Net Markets (DNMs) gained notoriety as hubs for illicit goods, including narcotics, firearms, stolen data, and counterfeit documents. Research suggests that approximately 80% of DNM transactions involved drugs or related paraphernalia. Novelty IDs, particularly replicas of driving licences and passports, were also commonly offered. However, producing perfect forgeries – especially passports with advanced security features like chips and holograms – is immensely challenging, if not impossible, for most vendors due to sophisticated anti-counterfeiting measures.
Law enforcement has aggressively targeted these platforms. High-profile shutdowns, infiltrations, and compromises have dismantled many markets, scattering vendors and buyers. Without legal protections, participants in these illegal trades face significant risks of scams, with no recourse to authorities. To counter this, DNMs introduced review systems and seller ratings, akin to legitimate e-commerce platforms, though these were far from reliable.
By around 2018, the dark web’s prominence in novelty ID sales began to decline. Vendors migrated to the “clearnet” – the standard internet accessible via everyday browsers – capitalising on the increasing ease of cryptocurrency transactions and the entry of international suppliers, including from China. This shift simplified purchases, as clearnet sites often accept familiar payment methods like bank transfers or PayPal, bypassing the cumbersome TOR setup.
Despite this accessibility, risks remain high. Vendors are not immune to arrests, as evidenced by ongoing crackdowns. The user experience on the dark web, requiring tools like TOR or I2P, was never intuitive, limiting its reach. In contrast, clearnet operations offer convenience but expose sellers to greater scrutiny from authorities monitoring online activities.
In our view, there’s no compelling benefit to sourcing novelty IDs from dark web sources over clearnet alternatives – if one were inclined to pursue such illegal activities. Many vendors likely operate parallel sites across both realms, blurring distinctions. For those determined to explore, review sites and “verified vendor lists” claim to highlight reliable sellers. However, these resources could themselves be fronts for scams, underscoring the inherent dangers.
Engaging with novelty ID markets, whether on the dark web or clearnet, carries significant legal and personal risks. Possessing or using counterfeit identification can lead to severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment, depending on your jurisdiction. This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We strongly advise against any involvement in illegal transactions. Instead, opt for legal, creative alternatives like novelty cards designed for entertainment, events, or personal expression.
Stay informed, stay safe, and remember: the allure of the dark web often conceals more trouble than it’s worth.
Published on 29 September 2025
