You can always run software in a Virtual Machine to see if it’s the real deal or not. Additionally, people really like to be “the first” or “the one” who actually provides something. See for example the first cracked Version of Read Dead Redemption 2 - it was announced like a special record (and it was!). Being the first to provide an actual, working copy brings fame, that’s why people go to such lengths to crack and provide software. And the people who download it? Well, they can often rely on those with virtual machines testing the software and then on reviews and ratings available on the download sites.