In the shadowy corners of the internet, darknet marketplaces have become synonymous with illicit trade, mirroring the functions of traditional e-commerce platforms while operating under a veil of anonymity. Among the numerous marketplaces that have emerged, Ares Market has established itself as a significant player since its launch in 2021.
This article delves deeper into the workings of Ares Market, exploring its diverse product offerings, the roles of its administrators, and the tools available for users to navigate this illicit ecosystem.
Ares Market Overview
Ares Market is renowned for its extensive range of products that cater to various illegal needs. From a variety of illicit drugs to sophisticated digital fraud products, Ares has carved out a niche that attracts a diverse clientele. The marketplace is designed to be user-friendly, allowing buyers to easily navigate through product categories and assess vendor credibility through detailed profiles and user reviews.
Since its inception, Ares Market has managed to thrive despite ongoing law enforcement efforts to dismantle darknet marketplaces. The adaptability of Ares to the fluctuating environment of the dark web has been a significant factor in its continued success. This marketplace has built a reputation for providing a platform that not only facilitates transactions but also fosters a sense of community among its users.
Popular Product Categories
Ares Market features a range of categories that reflect the illicit nature of its offerings. Below are some of the most notable product categories available on the platform:
Drugs
The drug category is arguably the most popular segment of Ares Market, where users can find an extensive array of controlled substances. Cocaine and ketamine are among the top offerings, with over 1,600 active listings available at any given time. The prices for these drugs vary widely, influenced by factors such as vendor reputation, quality of the product, and market demand.
Vendor reputation is paramount in the drug category. A seller’s profile includes essential information, such as their registration date, transaction history, and customer reviews. Buyers often rely on this data to gauge whether a vendor is trustworthy. For instance, the price of ketamine can range dramatically—from around $26 per gram to approximately $482 for 25 grams—making it crucial for buyers to carefully evaluate their options before making a purchase.
Financial Fraud
Financial fraud is another prominent category within Ares Market, particularly focused on credit card fraud, commonly referred to as carding. With well over 500 listings, this segment offers a variety of products, including stolen credit card information, bank account details, and related services.
The tactics employed by fraudsters on Ares Market often target major credit card companies like Visa and Mastercard, as well as smaller institutions, which are perceived as easier targets. For example, a user operating under the alias johnnywalker1 lists compromised bank accounts from a Georgia-based credit union for around $136. These accounts typically have active balances ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 and include sensitive personal information necessary for online access, such as Social Security numbers and home addresses.
The marketplace also features offers for credit card information from larger banks at significantly lower prices, highlighting the varied dynamics at play in this market. However, the methods by which these products are obtained often involve illegal practices, such as cloning cards or accessing banking details through malware or phishing attacks.
Counterfeiting
Counterfeiting has become an increasingly popular category on Ares Market, with counterfeit currency and identification documents topping the list of offerings. The market enables users to purchase fake currencies and IDs, fulfilling a demand for fraudulent documentation.
A seller known as CounterKing is particularly notable in this space, boasting a strong reputation characterized by a 5-star rating and over 120 successful transactions since registering in March 2023. This vendor offers €20,000 in counterfeit euros for around $2,284, accompanied by detailed product descriptions and clear terms of service. The prices for counterfeit products can vary significantly, ranging from $300 to over $3,000, depending on the quality and specific features of the items being sold.
Impact of Counterfeiting on Society
The proliferation of counterfeit goods can have severe consequences beyond immediate financial loss. Counterfeiting undermines legitimate businesses and can pose risks to public safety, particularly in the case of counterfeit pharmaceuticals or safety equipment. As Ares Market continues to thrive, the implications of such transactions extend far beyond the virtual marketplace.
Role of Administrators
The marketplace is overseen by a team of administrators who ensure that operations run smoothly and that users adhere to the rules established by Ares Market. These administrators are responsible for enforcing compliance, managing escrow services, and maintaining quality control over listings. Their role is essential in creating a structure that allows users to engage in commerce while attempting to mitigate the risks associated with darknet transactions.
Ares Market distinguishes itself from other less reputable platforms by maintaining a higher standard of quality control. For instance, administrators actively monitor listings related to financial fraud, ensuring that the content remains relevant and appropriately categorized. This contrasts with other marketplaces where users may encounter misclassified products or poorly monitored offerings, leading to increased risks for buyers.
Community and User Experience
The Ares Market community is characterized by a unique user experience that fosters interaction among buyers and sellers. Users often share tips, product reviews, and advice on forums associated with the marketplace. This community aspect helps to build trust and allows newcomers to navigate the complexities of the darknet more effectively.
Moreover, the marketplace includes a rating system where users can leave feedback on their transactions. This feedback mechanism is crucial in establishing a vendor’s reputation, which is essential in an environment where trust is hard to come by. Buyers are encouraged to leave honest reviews, which contributes to a transparent marketplace where vendors strive to maintain high standards to attract customers.
Setting Up DarkOwl Vision Alerts on Ares Market
For users interested in monitoring specific activities within Ares Market, DarkOwl Vision offers a valuable tool for tracking vendors and product categories. Setting up alerts enables users to stay informed about new listings, price changes, and vendor activities. Below are the steps to configure DarkOwl Vision alerts for Ares Market:
- Select Ares Market from the Lexicon: Begin by choosing Ares Market from the available options in DarkOwl Vision.
- Add the Vendor/Username: Input the vendor or username you wish to monitor. For instance, entering “counterking” will yield 354 results related to that specific user.
- Create a Monitor for Future Posts: To establish a monitoring alert for future activities from this vendor: “Click on the star icon located on the right side of the search bar”.
- Configure Alert Settings: Fill in the required information to save your alert, including frequency and criticality preferences. Be sure to select the option for email notifications, and then click save.
Utilizing DarkOwl Vision empowers users to enhance their awareness of vendor activities and respond proactively to potential threats or opportunities within Ares Market.
Final Words
Ares Market represents a complex and evolving aspect of the dark web marketplace ecosystem. Its diverse product offerings, which range from illicit drugs to financial fraud services and counterfeit goods, highlight the market’s significance in the world of illegal trade. Despite the constant threat of law enforcement intervention, Ares Market has managed to carve out a niche, providing a platform that not only facilitates transactions but also fosters a sense of community among its users.
As the landscape of the dark web continues to change, Ares Market remains a crucial player, reflecting both the risks and opportunities that exist within darknet marketplaces. DarkOwl analysts will persist in monitoring Ares Market to offer insights into its operations, assisting users in navigating the challenges and complexities of this underground economy. By leveraging tools like DarkOwl Vision, users can better prepare themselves to engage with this enigmatic world, ensuring they remain vigilant and informed in an ever-shifting environment.
References:
- https://www.darkowl.com/blog-content/darknet-marketplace-snapshot-series-ares-market/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666281723001166
- https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3615666
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20503245231215668
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/331727611_Data_Capture_Analysis_of_Darknet_Markets
