An exit scam occurs when the operators of an illegal or unregulated online service, such as a darknet marketplace, abruptly shut down the platform and disappear with users’ funds or sensitive data. These scams are common in environments where trust is already low and legal protections are absent, making it difficult for victims to recover their losses or seek recourse. Exit scams exploit the anonymity and lack of oversight in underground markets, often leaving customers and vendors with significant financial losses.