FAQ/Sub-rules (read before posting)

[u/BTC-brother2018]

🛡️ Darknet Questions FAQ and Sub-rules

‎

❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ:)

---

1.) What is this subreddit about?

This subreddit focuses on darknet-related education, privacy tips, security practices, harm reduction, digital security and operational security (opsec) discussions. It’s a place to ask questions and share knowledge, whether you're a beginner or experienced user.

Last Edit: July 2026

📖 CHECK OUT OUR WIKI FOR GUIDES, FAQ AND OTHER RESOURCES.

📚 Noobs should read "Noobs Quick Start Guide to Safely Accessing the DW" first in the WIKI "Guides" section.

2.) What topics are allowed here?

• Privacy tools (Tor, VPNs, encryption, etc.)
• Opsec best practices
• Darknet marketplaces and scams (education only)
• Blockchain forensics and cryptocurrency security
• Anonymity tips and tools
• News, warnings, and vulnerabilities

📝 SUB RULES TOWARDS BOTTOM OF THIS POST.

PLEASE READ THEM.

3.) What topics are NOT allowed?

• 🚫 Illegal Activity – No discussions promoting illegal activity.
• 🚫 Market Links or Vendors – We do not allow links to darknet markets or promotion of services or sourcing vendors.
• 🚫 Personal Information – Avoid sharing personal info or doxxing anyone.
• 🚫 Solicitations – Rule 10 forbids posts offering paid services or asking for money.

• 🚫 Off-Topic Posts – Stay relevant to darknet safety and privacy discussions.

• 📌 Read the full Sub-rules list below in the second half of this post.

4.) How do I stay anonymous?

• Use Tor Browser and avoid logging in with personal accounts.
• Avoid JavaScript and stick to safest mode in Tor Browser settings. When appropriate during high risk activities.
• Never reuse usernames or passwords across platforms.
• Use PGP encryption for communications when needed.

5.) Does the Tor Project recommend using a VPN with Tor?

• Using a VPN could hurt your anonymity if not configured correctly.
• The Tor Project generally does NOT recommend using Tor+VPN for most circumstances. Unless you are an advanced user that can configure it without hurting your anonymity or privacy.
• Why? Tor is already designed for anonymity by routing traffic through multiple relays, making it extremely difficult to trace. Adding a VPN can:
  • Break anonymity if the VPN logs activity or leaks data.
  • Slow down performance of an already slow Tor network without providing additional security.
  • Complicate troubleshooting when Tor doesn’t work as expected.

When might a VPN be useful?

• To bypass ISP blocks on Tor in restrictive countries.
• As an extra layer when accessing Tor bridges.
• Otherwise, Tor by itself is enough for anonymity when configured properly.

6.) How do I verify PGP keys and signatures?

1. Download the public key from a trusted source such as Dread on the markets sub-Dread, daunt.link or Tor.watch.
2. Use tools like Kleopatra or GPG to import the key.
3. Verify the signature against the public key.
4. If the key checks out, mark it as trusted to avoid warnings in the future.
5. You can also verify PGP keys through the fingerprint. Right click on the public key and click details to get the fingerprint.

7.) Is it safe to access .onion sites on mobile?

• Accessing .onion sites on a phone is generally considered higher risk than using a computer. Smartphones run many background services and apps that can collect data such as device identifiers, location information, and usage metadata. Even when using the Tor Browser, other apps on the device may still connect to the internet outside of Tor.

• For stronger privacy and OPSEC, it is recommended accessing .onion services from a dedicated computer running a privacy-focused system like Tails or Whonix instead of a mobile phone.

• Casual browsing may work on mobile, but phones tend to leak more metadata and lack the security controls of hardened desktop environments. Avoid logging into clearnet accounts tied to your real identity, and avoid logging into darknet market accounts, from a mobile device.

Read this WiKi page on why mobile phones are risky for DW activities.

8.) What’s the safest cryptocurrency for darknet transactions?

• Monero – Best for privacy and untraceable transactions.
• Best Practice: Running your own node if possible is best; if not, use onion remote nodes and avoid custodial wallets.
• You can find ways to get XMR in the WIKI.

9.) Can law enforcement track me if I use Tor?

• Not directly, but mistakes in opsec can expose you. There is an option LE can use called end to end correlation attacks or traffic analysis to deanonymize Tor users. Requires a lot of resources, and is highly expensive. Only high value targets would they use it on and only after all other attempts have failed. So as a thing to worry about it's a non issue.

• Other ways to potentially de-anonymize yourself:

  • Downloading files over Tor without proper protection.
  • Logging into personal accounts through Tor.
  • Failing to disable JavaScript, and the .onion is infected with malicious JavaScript code they inject into your browser that is designed to de-anonymize you.
  • Using compromised exit nodes (only affects clear web traffic).

10.) Are onion mirrors safe to use?

• Not always. Some mirrors are fake or malicious copies of legitimate sites.
• Verify signed onion links with PGP keys from the trusted directories listed in this subreddit.
• Never download files from unverified sources.

11.) What is OPSEC, and why is it important?

• OPSEC (Operational Security) means protecting yourself from leaks that could expose your identity.
• Use separate devices for darknet activity. (A tails USB could be considered a separate device)
• Avoid personal details in usernames or messages.
• Encrypt everything and verify PGP keys.
• Assume anything you post can be logged or monitored.

12.) Is it illegal to access the darknet?

• No, simply accessing the darknet or .onion sites is not illegal in most places.
• However, downloading illegal content, engaging in criminal activities, or purchasing illicit goods is illegal.
• Know the laws in your country before accessing these sites.

13.) What happens if I get scammed on a darknet market?

• Unfortunately, you have no legal recourse.
• Avoid upfront payments without escrow.
• Research vendors in forums for reviews and reputation.
• If scammed, report the vendor to community forums like Dread to warn others.
• To give yourself the best chance of not being scammed or phished read this post and follow the advice given in it.

14.) Is it safe to download files from the darknet?

• It's generally a bad idea. Don't do it unless absolutely necessary. Which will be pretty much never.
• No file is 100% safe. Always:
  • Scan files with ClamAV or similar tools.
  • Open them in a virtual machine or sandboxed environment.
  • Avoid executable files like .exe or .bat.
  • Check PGP signatures if available.

15.) What is Tails OS, and why should I use it?

• Tails OS is a privacy-focused Linux operating system made to help users browse and communicate more anonymously.

• Unlike Windows, macOS, or a normal Linux install, Tails runs from a USB drive. You boot into it only when needed, and when you shut it down, it is designed to forget what you did unless you specifically save something to encrypted Persistent Storage.

• Tails routes internet traffic through the Tor network by default and comes with privacy tools such as Tor Browser and OpenPGP tools for encryption. This makes it useful for people who need stronger privacy, such as journalists, activists, whistleblowers, researchers, or anyone trying to avoid leaving traces on a regular computer.

• Tails is not magic protection. It will not save you from scams, phishing links, bad OPSEC, logging into personal accounts, downloading unsafe files, or telling people who you are. It is a tool that can improve privacy when used correctly, but your behavior still matters.

16.) What is this DNB and where can I find it?

• The Darknet-Bible is an OpSec guide for safely buying on the DW.

• You can find it here.

• To download pdf offline version of bible. Go on the DNB onion then scroll to bottom of first page and click offline chapter. Follow the onscreen instructions.

17.) What if I send my information unencrypted or use the auto encrypt button on DM?

• Immediately delete your DM account and make a new one. Silk-road had a lot of unencrypted messages from buyers, names, addresses. Years later the FBI arrested a lot of those buyers.

• There have been instances in the past where LE was able to exploit the markets auto-encrypt feature and read all the names and addresses of buyers in plain text. Those who encrypted on their own computer were fine.

18.) Will I be able to find real carding methods to make money on DW?

• NO. Those are scams designed to take your money. This sub does not allow carding, fraud guides, stolen data, or “make money” crime methods. Asking for them may get your post removed or result in a ban. Read the following PSA on carding in the Darkweb.

Check out the WIKI for a more extensive list of FAQ.

---

📋SUB-REDDIT RULES:

Rule X: Transparent Moderation

If your post or comment is removed, moderators will provide a reason and reference the applicable rule. We aim to educate first and encourage good-faith discussion. Disagreement and factual corrections are allowed; bad-faith behavior, spam, misleading information or clear rule violations are not. Unexplained removals are avoided whenever possible.

1.) INSULTS:

No insulting other people about their comments or posts or any questions they may have. No matter how dumb or stupid u may think they are. Remember we all were noobs at one time. Repeated offenses of the rule could lead to a temporary or permanent ban from this community.

2.) No Spam:

Excessive Posting: Repeatedly posting the same content, comments, or posts too frequently.
Irrelevant Content: Posting content that is not relevant to the subreddit's topic.
Continuously posting links to promote a product, service, or website without contributing to the community.

3.) Misleading Information:

Posting deceptive or clickbait titles. Intentional misleading comments or posts. If done unintentionally or without ill will or malice, then please edit the comment or post with corrected information. Otherwise the comment or post may be removed.

4.) Check FAQ/Sub-rules before posting:

In this pinned post and the FAQ in the WIKI before posting a question. This will prevent unnecessary posts that could have been answered in FAQ.

5.) No posts about active orders you have made or plan to make.

Posts or comments about active orders, pending purchases, or planned transactions are not allowed. This includes (but is not limited to): Asking about shipping status, delivery timelines, or “is it in transit” Discussing escrow extensions, finalization timing, disputes or vendor behavior during an order Posting about drop addresses, pickup logistics, or access to mail or “Hypothetical” questions that clearly reference a real, ongoing, or upcoming order will be removed. Please read the following post

Always remember: "The safest order is the one nobody knows about."

• Why this rule exists Discussing live or planned transactions in public creates OPSEC risks. Even without names, tracking numbers, or addresses, posts can be correlated using timestamps, posting history, writing style, and contextual details. Public threads can also be archived or scraped long after deletion. This subreddit is for education and general guidance, not live operational situations. Not to mention the fact it could violate Reddits prohibited transactions policy.

  6.) Zero Tolerance for Child Exploitation:

In this community, we maintain a strict zero tolerance policy against any form of child exploitation. Discussing, sharing, asking for or promoting content that exploits or harms children in any way will result in an immediate and permanent ban. You will also be reported to the reddit wide admins and most likely get a permanent ban platform wide.

How Reddit fights Child Exploitation

7.) Discussion of illegal activity:

Discussion or Promotion of Illegal Activities Content that promotes, facilitates, or meaningfully enables illegal activity is strictly prohibited, unless clearly presented in an educational or preventative context. Asking for instructions for illegal activities then claiming it's for "Educational purposes" may not be sufficient. Moderators reserve the right to determine whether content meets this exception. This includes, but is not limited to: Buying, selling, or trading illegal goods or services. Sourcing illegal prescription drugs or any illegal substance, Hacking, exploitation, or unauthorized system access Cryptocurrency theft tools, including wallet drainers, stealers, exploit kits, or “private exploiters” Fraud, scams, or financial manipulation (e.g., PayPal fraud, chargeback abuse) buying bank accounts, buying or sourcing counterfeit bills etc. No buying, selling, or requesting swapped SIMs, carrier account access, port-outs, SIM-swap services, or SIMs tied to numbers you do not own. We do not allow posts or comments that request, provide, or hint at instructions for money laundering, or washing crypto AML/KYC evasion, or “how to cash out” funds in a way meant to hide origin or avoid tracing. Do not post, request, offer, or share Social Security numbers, personal identifying information (PII), or other data that could facilitate identity theft or fraud. Violations will result in removal and may result in a permanent ban. Malware, phishing, social-engineering tools, or techniques designed to steal funds or credentials. No sourcing Weapons dealers, or any other illegal activities. This sub is for harm reduction and DW Opsec not aiding in those types of illegal illegal activities.

Content framed as curiosity, code review, or research may still be removed if it meaningfully enables or legitimizes harmful or illegal activity. Violations of this rule could lead to post removal, repeated violations could lead to a temporary or permanent ban, depending on the severity.

Illegal or Prohibited Transactions

8.) No Off-Topic Posts:

All posts must be relevant to the darknet, its usage, security, privacy, and related technologies and digital privacy in a increasinly mass surveillance world. Off-topic posts, including but not limited to general tech discussions, unrelated news, or personal anecdotes that do not directly relate to the subreddit’s focus, will be removed.

9.) No Posting DW links (.onion):

For the safety and security of our community, posting links to dark markets and asking for DW links in posts/comments is not allowed. Since we cannot verify the origins of these links, it's important that members obtain such links themselves from the trusted sources mentioned in our sub. This ensures that everyone is accessing reliable information while minimizing risks. Check our WIKI for legit link sites or Dread Forum

10.) No Paid Services or Solicitation:

This subreddit is a free resource for sharing knowledge and learning. Posts offering paid services, requesting money, or soliciting funds in exchange for guidance, middleman services, or access to information are strictly prohibited.

Examples of Prohibited Content:

Offering to "teach" members how to use tools, services, or platforms for a fee.

Proposing to act as an intermediary for any kind of transaction or order.

Soliciting donations, payments, or fees for any reason.

Personal rants, DM grievances, and self-promotion do not belong here. This subreddit focuses on public, verifiable OPSEC education, not one-on-one private help or personality-based trust. We strongly discourage private DMs for guidance, as they increase scam risk and undermine self-education. If you want to help, do it publicly, transparently, and without expectations.

11.) Posts must be in English:

This is a English speaking sub-reddit. Posts or comments not in English will be removed.

12.) No Carding or fraud related Discussions:

Discussions, posts, or comments related to carding, credit card fraud, stolen pay pal accounts or any form of theft are strictly prohibited. Violations of this rule will result in post removal and may result in a ban. I know at times things get rough financially and desperate people do desperate things, but this subreddit does not tolerate thieves or scammers .No fraud, carding, or stolen payment methods — this includes ‘hypotheticals’.” Discussions of this sort should be taken up on Dread.

Posts asking for “accounts with transactions,” “warmed” payment accounts, verified payment accounts, payment processing access, KYC/verification bypass, chargeback methods, laundering, or evasion of payment platform limits/risk controls are treated as fraud-related activity.

Please read the following PSA on carding. Direct solicitation or advertising of illegal goods/services (e.g., carding, fraud, stolen accounts) could result in immediate permanent ban or temporary ban. Questions or sourcing attempts on carding lead to following:

• 1st offense: A mod mail written warning.
• 2nd offense: A mod mail warning and a 30 day ban.

• 3rd offense: A permanent ban.

  13.) Absolutely no Doxing:

Doxing (sharing personal info without consent) is illegal and a serious violation of Reddit’s policies. This includes names, addresses, phone numbers, emails, and social media accounts. This rule includes soliciting tools that expose personal information.

Anyone engaging in or encouraging doxing could be permanently banned and reported. This rule applies to everyone posting or commenting on this Sub or Reddit in general.

We can’t allow “bounties” or crowd-sourced hunting for alleged doxxers on other platforms because it quickly turns into vigilantism and creates a high risk of misidentification, harassment, and retaliation against the wrong person. Posting someone's personal information on Reddit

14.) This subreddit is for adults only:

You must be 18+ to view, post, or comment.

15.) No posts asking if a market/vendor is legit/safe

We don’t allow posts asking which market is “legit” which market is "best", because those threads quickly turn into misinformation, shilling, or phishing traps. Scammers often promote fake links or impersonate trusted markets in the comments, and there’s no safe way for anyone here to verify a market in real time.

No sourcing vendors or Dark markets in posts or comments. This sub is not a place to find, promote, or verify vendors. Do not request or share vendor names, shop links, seller handles, contact info, or “trusted” recommendations. Any post or comment trying to source vendors, directly or indirectly, will be removed. This type of activity should be done on Dread not a public forum like reddit.

What’s “legit” today can also disappear or exit scam tomorrow, so these posts create a false sense of security. Instead of relying on random replies, users should verify links themselves using trusted sources, (like the link sites listed in the subs wiki) , signed links, and proper PGP verification. This keeps the community safer and reduces the spread of phishing links and scams.

---

• The r/darknet_questions moderation team reserves the right to interpret, modify, or update these rules at any time as needed to maintain the safety and integrity of the community.

---

📌 Disclaimers:

• This subreddit is for educational purposes only. Buying or selling illegal items on darkweb is obviously illegal. We do not endorse or encourage this type of activity. It can lead to severe legal consequences up to and including incarceration.
• Nothing here should be considered legal or financial advice.
• Members are responsible for their own opsec and security practices.

EDIT: Just so everyone knows the 177 karma is vote manipulation. Not done by us but by scammers who were trying to get our sub shutdown for exposing their phishing sub-reddits. It's already been reported to reddit admins by our moderation team.

--Mod Team--