This glossary explains recurring terms in darknet-market discussions. Definitions are written for information literacy and do not provide routes, addresses, or participation instructions.
Terminology can be used inconsistently. Always consider the source, date, and context of a claim.
Marketplace and source terms
Escrow: a payment-holding concept described in some marketplace models. Mirror: a duplicate or alternative web address claim, which may be genuine, outdated, or malicious.
Fraud and disruption terms
Exit scam: a suspected disappearance or shutdown after users place funds or trust in a service. Phishing: deceptive content designed to collect credentials or sensitive information.
Verification language
Source provenance describes where a claim originated. Corroboration means independent support from more than one reliable source. Neither term guarantees that a current access claim is safe.