CryptoPotato
CryptoPotato
  • Crypto News
  • Margin Trading
  • Guides
    • Bitcoin & Crypto Guides 101
    • Bitcoin For Beginners
    • Editorials
  • DeFi & NFT
  • Buy
  • Language
  • Crypto News
  • Bitcoin For Beginners
  • Cryptocurrency Guides 101
  • Editorials
  • Bitcoin & Crypto Margin Trading
  • DeFi & NFT News
  • Bitcoin Price Analysis
  • CryptoPotato Crypto Fund
  • Ethereum (ETH) Price Analysis
  • Ripple (XRP) Price Analysis
  • Market Updates
  • Interviews
  • Buy Bitcoin with Card
  • bitcoin
    BTC$22,862.00
  • ethereum
    ETH$1,568.29
    • Market Updates
    • BTC Analysis
    • ETH Analysis
    • XRP Analysis
    • Interviews
    • Opinions
    CryptoPotato
    CryptoPotato
    • Crypto News
    • Margin Trading
    • Guides
      • Bitcoin & Crypto Guides 101
      • Bitcoin For Beginners
      • Editorials
    • DeFi & NFT
    • Buy
    • Language
    • Crypto News
    • Bitcoin For Beginners
    • Cryptocurrency Guides 101
    • Editorials
    • Bitcoin & Crypto Margin Trading
    • DeFi & NFT News
    • Bitcoin Price Analysis
    • CryptoPotato Crypto Fund
    • Ethereum (ETH) Price Analysis
    • Ripple (XRP) Price Analysis
    • Market Updates
    • Interviews
    • Buy Bitcoin with Card
    Home » Crypto News » COVID-19 Tests And N95 Masks Sold On The Darknet For Bitcoin

    COVID-19 Tests And N95 Masks Sold On The Darknet For Bitcoin

    Author: Jordan Lyanchev

    Last Updated Apr 6, 2020 @ 20:02

    Darknet markets are seeing increases of suspicious merchandise advertised to protect or even fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The sales are conducted in several countries using bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as the primary payment method.

    Selling Coronavirus Merchandise Via Crypto

    The rapidly expanding novel virus scared a lot of people, and they rushed to purchase protective gear such as N95 respirator masks. Naturally, the increased demand and the limited supply boosted the price of the desired items to incredible highs.

    Darknet e-commerce websites are also trying to exploit the situation, according to a recent report. Not only are they displaying significant supplies, but the prices listed are quite attractive – N95 masks in bulk at approximately $1.75 per one. Just for reference, buyers can locate such masks from legitimate marketplaces such as Amazon or eBay for $10 per piece.

    The item list of coronavirus-related products does not end here. The Darknet platforms offer “COVID-19 test strips” for $92 each – another essential product at this time.

    What’s even more disturbing is that the websites offer coronavirus “cures.” While no therapeutics and vaccines currently in development have proven to be effective against the virus yet, some platforms sell the President Trump-endorsed chloroquine. It’s a treatment for malaria, and its price on the darknet, however, could reach up to $500 per 150 pills.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    The report also outlined some of the marketing strategies implemented by sellers. Those include “Coronavirus discounts” and “COVID-19 end of the world special offers.” One particularly compelling listing, “Corona LockDown Survival Pack” contains cannabis and toilet paper.

    As usual, the preferred payment methods for any darknet operations are cryptocurrencies:

    “They are popular with criminals, as buyers and sellers are largely untraceable, and payment is made anonymously in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin.”

    COVID-19 Bitcoin Scams

    While the mentioned above products seem suspicious, to say the least, there have been numerous virus-related proven scams. Cryptopotato reported one of them a few weeks ago.

    It involved malware gangs impersonating the World Health Organization and charities linked to it. The perpetrators sent phishing emails and pitched expensive, guaranteed Corona-proof masks or guides on how to protect your family safe during the pandemic. In return, they requested payments via Bitcoin.

    The scammers even created an application to supposedly track real-time coronavirus data on the victim’s street, city, state, and country.

    A scientist operating on the matter warned that these are indeed fraudulent activities, and people should avert from sending any payments to unconfirmed entities.

    SPECIAL OFFER (Sponsored)
    Binance Free $100 (Exclusive): Use this link to register and receive $100 free and 10% off fees on Binance Futures first month (terms).

    PrimeXBT Special Offer: Use this link to register & enter POTATO50 code to receive up to $7,000 on your deposits.

    You Might Also Like:

    • Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine News Sends Bitcoin To a New 2020 High
    • us_bitcoin_cover
      Grayscale Study: COVID-19 Made Bitcoin Even More Attractive To US Investors
    • trump_cover
      Will Bitcoin Drop Lower on Trump’s Positive Covid-19 Test News?
    Tags: Altcoins Bitcoin Coronavirus (COVID-19) Crypto Scams
    Enjoy reading? Share with your friends
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Telegram

    About The Author

    Jordan Lyanchev
    More posts by this author

    Jordan got into crypto in 2016 by trading and investing. He began writing about blockchain technology in 2017. He has managed numerous crypto-related projects and is passionate about all things blockchain. Contact Jordan: LinkedIn

  • bitcoin
    BTC$22,862.00
  • ethereum
    ETH$1,568.29
  • Join Our Community

    FacebookTwitter YouTubeTelegram


    Editorials
    How Long Will the Ethereum LSD Narrative Last? Talking 2023 Trends with Nansen’s Martin Lee

    How Long Will the Ethereum LSD Narrative Last? Talking 2023 Trends with Nansen’s Martin Lee

    Everything That’s Going on With Pi Network: From Start to Latest Controversial Listing

    Everything That’s Going on With Pi Network: From Start to Latest Controversial Listing

    What is Ethereum Liquid Staking and Why It Is Crucial As Shanghai Upgrade Approaches?

    What is Ethereum Liquid Staking and Why It Is Crucial As Shanghai Upgrade Approaches?

    The Lesson in Alameda-FTX About Government Regulation and Crypto (Opinion)

    The Lesson in Alameda-FTX About Government Regulation and Crypto (Opinion)

    5 Bullish and 2 Bearish Cases for DeFi Going Into 2023 (Opinion)

    5 Bullish and 2 Bearish Cases for DeFi Going Into 2023 (Opinion)

    From Google and Microsoft to Binance: Interview with Head of Product Mayur Kamat

    From Google and Microsoft to Binance: Interview with Head of Product Mayur Kamat

    13 Biggest Crypto Scandals and Controversial Stories of 2022

    13 Biggest Crypto Scandals and Controversial Stories of 2022

    Join Our Newsletter
    Become a CryptoPotato VIP
    One Weekly Email Can Change Your Crypto Life.
    Sign-up FREE to receive our extended weekly market update and coin analysis report
    We NEVER send spam. You can unsubscribe at any time.
    Invalid email address
    Thanks for subscribing!
    Footer Logo
    About
    Advertise on CryptoPotato
    About Us | Contact Us | Careers
    Editorial Policy
    Terms of service | Privacy Policy | GDPR
    More Sections
    IEO List | Evaluations
    Airdrops
    Scholarship
    Disclaimer
    Disclaimer: Information found on CryptoPotato is those of writers quoted. It does not represent the opinions of CryptoPotato on whether to buy, sell, or hold any investments. You are advised to conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. Use provided information at your own risk. Full disclaimer
    © Copyright CryptoPotato 2016 - 2021
    Scroll to top
    One Weekly Email Can Change Your Crypto Life.

    Sign-up FREE to receive our extended weekly market update and coin analysis report

    We never send SPAM. You can unsubscribe at any moment
    Invalid email address
    Thanks for subscribing!