02-09-25, 01:40 AM
U.S. and Dutch authorities have shut down VerifTools, an online marketplace that sold counterfeit IDs, passports, and other documents used by cybercriminals to bypass identity checks and access online accounts. Two domains and a blog were seized, with servers confiscated in Amsterdam, and visitors redirected to an FBI takedown notice.
The U.S. Department of Justice revealed that VerifTools had been active since at least 2022, selling fake documents for as little as $9, and generating around $6.4 million in illicit proceeds. The platform offered IDs from all 50 U.S. states and multiple foreign countries. Dutch police seized two physical and 21 virtual servers, securing the site’s infrastructure for analysis.
Despite the takedown, the operators announced on Telegram that they had relaunched the service on a new domain (veriftools[.]com). On underground forums, they reassured customers their funds were safe.
Officials stressed that such tools fuel fraud schemes like phishing and bank scams by undermining KYC (Know Your Customer) checks. Under Dutch law, producing or using fake IDs carries penalties of up to six years in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison warned: “The internet is not a refuge for criminals. If you build or sell tools that let offenders impersonate victims, you are part of the crime.”
The U.S. Department of Justice revealed that VerifTools had been active since at least 2022, selling fake documents for as little as $9, and generating around $6.4 million in illicit proceeds. The platform offered IDs from all 50 U.S. states and multiple foreign countries. Dutch police seized two physical and 21 virtual servers, securing the site’s infrastructure for analysis.
Despite the takedown, the operators announced on Telegram that they had relaunched the service on a new domain (veriftools[.]com). On underground forums, they reassured customers their funds were safe.
Officials stressed that such tools fuel fraud schemes like phishing and bank scams by undermining KYC (Know Your Customer) checks. Under Dutch law, producing or using fake IDs carries penalties of up to six years in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison warned: “The internet is not a refuge for criminals. If you build or sell tools that let offenders impersonate victims, you are part of the crime.”