Avoid the HTBPro.xyz Scam — Fake CAPE Certification Costs Me Hundreds (Red Flags Inside)

I lost $550 to HTBPro.xyz, a fraudulent site selling “Hack The Box certification, fortress and pro labs writeups.” The scammers uses multiple cryptocurrencies (BTC, ETH, XMR, etc.). Learn how it works and how to not be an asshole like me.

The Scam Not Be An Asshole Story: A $550 Lesson

I tried to get the HTB Certified Active Directory Pentesting Expert (CAPE) exam writeup. I found HTBPro.xyz, which advertised “All ProLabs Bundle” writeups with step-by-step guides, screenshots, and even “certifications” for HTB CAPE, CBBH, CPTS, and others.

How the scam unfolded:

1. Payment Demands: The site offered “flexible” crypto payments, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Monero (XMR), USDT (TRC20), USDC (BSC), and others. I paid $550 via TRON (TRC20).
2. Ghosting Begins: No materials, confirmation, or communication followed — only silence.
3. False Excuses: The scammers blamed a “payment processor bug,” promising refunds only if funds reached them. Meanwhile, the crypto was instantly funneled to an external wallet, cutting off recovery.
4. Contradictions: They later claimed to “primarily use Monero” while citing other “successful” transactions to gaslight the victim.

By the time I realized the truth, it was way too late.

How the Scam Works

• Multiple crypto options: Offers BTC, ETH, XMR, USDT, USDC, and more — all irreversible and untraceable.
• Fake certifications: Uses legitimate-sounding names (CAPE, CBBH, CPTS writeups) to appear credible in a high demand certs out there.
• Stalling tactics: Blames “technical issues,” “payment processors,” or “refund delays” to buy time.
• Instant money laundering: Funds moved to untraceable wallets within seconds.

Red Flags to Spot (Avoid HTBPro.xyz!)

1. Crypto-only payments: No credit cards, PayPal, or protected methods. Options include:

• Bitcoin (BTC)
• Ethereum (ETH)
• Monero (XMR)
• USDT (TRC20)
• Litecoin (LTC)
• USDC (BSC)

1. No verifiable reviews: Zero mentions on Trustpilot, Reddit, or cybersecurity forums.
2. Vague contact info: Only a Proton Mail address — nothing more.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Just don’t even think about buying here.
2. Avoid crypto for digital goods, real businesses offer buyer protection (credit cards, PayPal).
3. No reviews or social proof? Assume it’s a scam (Research thoroughly)
4. Ignore urgency traps, follow up emails, etc.

Spread Awareness — Help Shut Down Scammers!

• Report HTBPro.xyz to hosting providers (abuse reports) and cybersecurity communities.
• Share this post to warn others — scammers rely on silence to keep operating.
• Comment below if you’ve encountered similar scams.

Note: While purchasing exam materials is not right, this post aims to protect others from scams like this and fuckers like these guys.

Stay vigilant. Don’t let scammers exploit your wallet and your ass.

Scam Site: HTBPro.xyz | Fake Certifications Listed: CAPE, CBBH, CPTS, CDSA, CWEE and all the pro labs