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Flight attendant uniforms -

There are some obvious security risks surrounding posing as a flight attendant, which is why they're not commercially available to people. But the sale of these uniforms on the black market, particularly in Japan, was earning some former flight attendants thousands of dollars. It got so bad that in 2010 Japan Airlines had to put official measures in to prevent former flight attendants from illegally auctioning off their uniforms.

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Flight attendant uniforms -

Interestingly, the reason most people in Japan were so eager to get their hands on these uniforms was not to attempt to sneak onto commercial flights, but rather for Japanese exotic dancing clubs, where flight attendant characters were very popular with a certain clientele.

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Sea cucumber -

One of the most unusual delicacies, the sea cucumber is a rare species popular in China. The government outlawed the fishing of sea cucumbers, however, which made it a hot commodity on the black market.

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Sea cucumber -

It's even considered illegal to purchase, so the black market is the only place one could get a sea cucumber. As such, these ocean floor creatures fetch a very high price in many Asian countries.

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Laundry detergent -

Have you ever wondered why laundry detergent is sometimes locked up in the grocery store? Theft of this home supply actually became a huge issue when so-called “Tide bandits” began stealing laundry detergent in huge quantities.

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Laundry detergent -

They would then resell the detergent at a highly discounted price, making it part of “organized retail crime,” or ORC. Groups of these criminals will apparently employ crews of pro shoplifters to steal millions of dollars in commercial products every year, some of which could even be traded for d****.

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Fake degrees -

School can be extremely expensive and time-consuming, but you can get a real-looking degree for much less time and money! There's a huge industry of fake degrees, diplomas, and certifications for those who want to skip a step or 10 on their way to a well-paid job.

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Fake degrees -

These “diploma mills,” as they're called, make millions of dollars each year making these fake documents, which people actually still pay thousands of dollars for. There are even fake university websites created to back up the lie!

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Sand -

While most people associate sand with a relaxing day on the beach, there's another world in which it's associated with violent crime. That's because sand and gravel are two of the most extracted minerals on earth, thanks to their incredible usefulness in construction, and as a finite resource coupled with the construction boom around the world, it's increasingly hard to find.

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Sand -

Specifically sand from around water sources is in high demand because desert sand grains are too round for construction. The so-called “sand mafia” steals huge quantities of construction-ready sand from beaches and riverbanks to sell to the highest bidder on the black market—though the bids have been known to include violent murder.

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Scarily realistic masks -

High-quality silicone masks that are human-passing are a hot commodity on the black market, often because they're stolen from high-production movie sets and special effects studios.

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Scarily realistic masks -

But what are people using them for? The black market is the best place to buy a mask and then commit a crime in disguise, as the mask can't be traced back to you.

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Baby formula -

Baby formula is so hot on the black market that it's reportedly often referred to as “liquid gold.” The fact that it's in high demand, costs around US$400 to $800 a month to purchase, doesn't cost that much to produce, and is bought at a huge bulk by retailers makes it the perfect item to steal and resell on the black market.

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Baby formula -

Organized teams of shoplifters steal baby formula in bulk, mark down the price drastically, and sell it online. Mothers rarely buy it by choice, but rather because they simply can't afford the retail price. On the other end of the spectrum, drug dealers also use baby formula to cut their other fine white powder d**** with.

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Tree nuts -

Organized agricultural crime rings have long targeted California's pistachio, almond, and walnut growers. Nuts make the perfect product to steal as they have no serial numbers, they're less perishable, and they're pricey.

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Tree nuts -

They're also quite vulnerable to theft, as before a nut gets to the store, it's moved between different facilities to be cleaned, pasteurized, roasted, and seasoned. The heist usually occurs by stealing truck drivers' identities and driving off with a truck load. By the time the shipment fails to arrive at its intended destination, it's probably already fetching top dollar on the black market.

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Social security numbers with great credit scores -

Millions of people struggle with credit card debt and are denied loans or a lease on an apartment. Hackers have capitalized on that desperate feeling and sell social security numbers attached to great credit scores on the deep web.

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Social security numbers with great credit scores -

These hackers take advantage of major data breaches in companies to steal the social security numbers, and though they can seem like the Robin Hoods of the black market, it's serious identity theft.

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Tibetan antelope scarf (shahtoosh) -

The Tibetan antelope, known as the chiru, is known for its high-quality fur and has been on the Grade A endangered list for years—a category that affords the animal the highest level of protection. Shawls made from their fur are illegal, but have skyrocketed on the black market, selling for as much as US$20,000 each, Vice reports.

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Tibetan antelope scarf (shahtoosh) -

The shawl requires at least four antelopes to die and be made into a scarf, which reportedly doesn't last longer than five years. The global demand for shahtoosh wiped out 90% of the Tibetan antelope population, which is why it's only found in the darkest parts of the black market.

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Netflix accounts -

Most people have either used someone else's Netflix account or have had an ex continue to use their own account after breaking up, and that speaks to how common account-sharing once was. Because of how common it became with accounts being sold on the black market, Netflix had to tighten up their security.

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Netflix accounts -

Hackers would reportedly obtain email addresses and passwords through data breaches and email phishing schemes, then sell them off for as little as 25 cents on black market websites and forums.

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Sperm -

The real crime here is health insurance, which fails many people in their endeavor to have an assisted pregnancy. Plus, sometimes the wait for these processes can be up to two years, so many people turn to alternative fertilization methods on the black market.

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Sperm -

China, France, and the UK all reportedly have thriving black markets for sperm, which are then used in DIY home self-insemination kits. They come in sealed containers and with plenty of risks. Without the rigorous testing and professional methods, there's a risk of disease and contamination, and the uncertainty of knowing if the sperm is even viable.

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Transportation -

In most places, public transportation like buses, taxis, and so forth are legal because the government regulates them and keeps a close eye on them. Getting anonymous transportation holds a lot of appeal for shady people wanting to go where they're not supposed to, or who need their travel to not be trackable.

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Transportation -

On the black market, transportation services thus became quite popular. It's offered at low prices and can take you to places where you probably shouldn't be going.

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Four Loko -

The original Four Loko was a malt liquor-based caffeinated alc***** beverage—two cans of which would have the same effect on the body as chugging 10 beers—and was understandably taken off the market due to it being unsafe. The new version of Four Loko does not contain caffeine, but some people still wanted the original.

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Four Loko -

The original drink flew off shelves after it was deemed unsafe by the Food and Drug Administration, and since then it found a spot as a near delicacy on the black market.

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Twinkies -

When Hostess announced they were in bankruptcy proceedings in 2012, everyone feared for the future of this beloved cream-filled treat. So much so, in fact, that people started buying as many boxes as they could.

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Twinkies -

For a time, Twinkies were a hot commodity on the black market, until, of course, it reappeared on shelves the following year.

Sources: (The Infographics Show) (MensXP) (TheRichest) (Business Pundit) (Vice)

See also: Unexpected shortages throughout history

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