Cybercriminals are now selling legitimate passports alongside identity verification documents on the dark web. This kind of data could be used by cybercriminals to steal identities, open bank accounts and more. Security experts found that passport scans were being sold on multiple popular dark web markets such as Dream Market, Berlusconi Market, Wall Street Market, and Tochka Free Market.
While the average price of a digital passport scan was around $14, those interested in purchasing a physical passport had to cough up a whopping $13,000. According to researchers at Comparitech, who discovered this dark market sales trend, all of these fake passports – both digital and physical – can be bought using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Monero.
These passports can be used by crooks to open bank accounts, as some banks now require only two ID proof documents. These fake bank accounts can also be used for other illicit transactions in a “bank drop” scam.
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