How do vendors not get caught?

Everyone always repeats "tails+TOR" but wtf do vendors do?

So here's what I mean. If I was LE and trying to profile a particular vendor its pretty easy to get their general geographic location by ordering a few packs. Then I would simply "nicely ask" the main (usually 2 or 3) isp's if they have TOR traffic that's semi regular, then boom vendor.

You can't run a VPN with tails. Well maybe a VPN router but I'm unsure of that. I'm sure there's vendors that work from home and don't go sit at public WiFi several times a day, with the busier guys it just seems undoable.

So do they really have to choose between tails and a VPN?


Comments


[5 Points] PhriskyDingough:

Vendors don't get caught through computer snooping by law enforcement. They get caught by making small stupid mistakes, like using the same post office over and over, driving drunk, telling a romantic partner too much. If they get a positive ID on a vendor, then they might try to raid, and hopefully get some computers that are on and unencrypted.
Protip. Have dedicated computer equipment for your DNM stuff. Make sure all disks are encrypted and plug everything into the same surge-protector at your feet. Take the battery out of your laptop, if you're using a laptop. If a raid occurs, kick the switch and everything looses power and is encrypted.


[3 Points] sdfhgdhjbdafcadv:

I don't think the situation you described is even close to enough for a warrant. Also, I think you underestimate how many people use Tor.


[1 Points] alwaysthrowaways:

That's only if the return address shows the vendors location. Or if the vendor is using tracking.


[1 Points] yalldontknowjack:

What happens when they are chasing 1000 of random tor users?


[1 Points] NotTrue1234:

Yes you can use VPN with Tails. https://tails.boum.org/blueprint/vpn_support/

In some cities hundreds of thousands of people can live in one zipcode. If the seller uses different zip codes that's millions of people. NYC for example. Using tor in and of itself is not illegal and would not warrant further investigation. And if using VPN with TOR the right way the ISP wouldn't know you were using TOR. (not advisable) There is free public WiFi everywhere in big cities. I can access more than 1 pretty much anywhere. With right equipment you would have a very far reach.


[1 Points] druggieslut:

You can run a VPN in tails. Wtf??