A study has found that dark web market vendors are capitalizing on COVID-19 to sell face marks for Bitcoin.
The study, which was put together by blockchain analytics company Elliptic, stated that vendors are opportunistic and are jumping on any opportunity to sell goods that are difficult to come by elsewhere. In light of the current climate with the coronavirus pandemic, hundreds of listings have appeared on darknet markets for the N95 respirator masks. The study states that "Usually priced at less than $1 each, these masks have been in very short supply and their sale for non-medical use has been restricted."
It goes on to point out that several listings for the masks have been priced at $1.75 per mask, which according to Elliptic, is a low mark-up on retail prices. This is compared to the likes of Amazon or eBay, where N95 masks are selling for upwards of $10 each. However, while the masks on the darknet markets are reasonably priced, the study notes that buyers shouldn't rush to purchase them, adding that: "Of course with all darknet market listings posted by pseudonymous vendors, there is a chance that they are fraudulent, and that buyers don’t end up getting what they paid for."
Read more: UK Counties Warn of Bitcoin Scams Using Coronavirus as a Hook
