The price of stolen identification documents, like passports and driver’s licenses, has increased sharply on the dark web since the third quarter of 2023, according to a new report.
A stolen passport cost about $2,372 on the dark web at the end of 2023, up from $1,399 in September, BDO’s December 2023 Australian Scam Culture Report said. The price of a stolen driver’s license also rose from $465 to $844.
BDO said prices may have gone up due to increasing security measures and law enforcement crackdowns. “It’s like any other market environment where there’s supply and demand,” Stan Gallo, a forensic investigator for BDO, told Australia’s ABC News.
“And if there’s a restricted supply and the demand is still there, then the price goes up. If things are easier to get, then the price will come down because it will drive competition,” he added.
Prices Climb on the Dark Web
According to BDO’s report, there was a general increase in the cost of stolen credentials, financial information, and personal identification details on the dark web in the last quarter of 2023. The report listed various items that are now priced higher, such as:
- Covid-19 Certificate: $157 (up from $139)
- US Fullz (identity theft): $25 (up from $16)
- Tor network DDoS attacks: $1,143 (up from $249)
- Clearnet (regular internet) network DDoS attacks: $486 (up from $139)
- WeChat hacking: $224 (up from $154)
- Western Union Transfer of $5,000: $125 (up from $78)
However, some prices have also fallen. For instance, the cost of hacking an individual’s email decreased sharply to $262 from $668. Also, US Identity Cards dipped to $299 from $854.
The general uptick in prices could be linked to recent high-profile crackdowns on dark web marketplaces. Major dark web hubs, like the Genesis and Nemesis, have been shut down in recent years by law enforcement. The report also noted that the increasing use of “embedded security measures” could be making identity documents more difficult to steal.
Meanwhile, BDO said there have been increased discussions on the dark web about cyberattacks believed to be sponsored or orchestrated by nation-states “against the backdrop of heightened global tensions and unrest.”
How to Protect Your Safety and Identity Online
Gallo told ABC News that individuals must implement robust cybersecurity measures, including regular password updates and phishing awareness training, to counteract the threat of hacks, scams, and identity theft.
Gallo also advocated for a strong “human firewall” and suggested that businesses have a comprehensive plan for data breaches or scams.
Interested in learning more and exploring the dark web? Check out our detailed guide to accessing the dark web safely. While the Tor browser keeps you anonymous on the dark web, it has been shown to have some vulnerabilities. We recommend using a VPN service like NordVPN for an added layer of protection when you visit the dark web.
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