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While its name may sound threatening, the dark web is used by some legitimate businesses and organizations. In fact, U.S. military researchers created dark web technology to send and receive messages anonymously. If you hear about your personal information showing up on the dark web, you may have plenty of questions.
Understanding the Social Security Number on Dark Web
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But centres of illicit commerce remain on the dark web, and new ones spring up all the time. Has anyone recently purchased airline ti lets with their discover card? In the U.S., Social Security numbers are identification that are meant to stay confidential, known only to the individual, government agencies, and some financial businesses. Contact the Social Security Administration if you fear your Social Security number has been compromised.
The prevalence of online fraud and identity theft has raised concerns regarding the safety of personal information, especially a social security number (SSN). This article delves into the implications of having your social security number on dark web and the necessary measures to mitigate risks.
Having your Social Security number on the dark web leaves you vulnerable to identify theft. In fact, according to Javelin Strategy & Research, identity fraud cases amounted to $28 billion and impacted 27 million Americans in 2021. There are some simple actions you can take to protect your identity and pocketbook from this national “identity crisis.”
People who have been victims of a data breach receive this alert as soon as their personal information is found on the dark web by a cyber-monitoring company they hired. Worryingly, criminals can use your SSN to take out loans and credit cards, open bank and phone accounts, obtain a driver’s license, and even use your medical insurance in your name. In this article, we explain how you can check securely whether your personal details have been leaked.
You want to identify the signs of identity theft as soon as possible. If you lose your Social Security card, you should order copies of your free credit reports—one each maintained by Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—from AnnualCreditReport.com. Some common sorts of data to sell on the dark web are account logins, SSNs, driver’s license data, medical account numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers. Without additional information, no one could access your bank account with your Social Security number alone.
What is the Dark Web?
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines. Accessing it typically requires specific software, such as Tor, which anonymizes user activity. Criminal activities often occur here, including the trade of stolen data.
The good news is you can help better protect against credit fraud with a security freeze (also known as a credit freeze), which stops creditors from accessing your credit reports to open new credit accounts. So, if an identity thief tries to apply for a new credit card in your name, the credit card issuer won’t be able to see your credit reports, leading them to deny the application. Identity Guard monitors your most sensitive personal details across the Dark Web, data breaches, and more. The company found that buyers are currently willing to pay just $1 for a Social Security number, which is the same amount they’ll pay for user and password information to Brazzers, a pornographic website.
A fraud alert will notify creditors that extra steps should be taken to verify your identity if your information is used to apply for credit. Using strong passwords, using a virtual private network (VPN), and being careful with your wallet and other items which may contain sensitive information are just a few ways to keep your information safer. Another danger is if identity thieves use your medical ID they may skew your medical information which could be dangerous if you have allergies to medications, etc.
Risks Associated with a Social Security Number on the Dark Web
Having your social security number on dark web poses serious risks, including:
- They might be able to steal your income tax return and possibly cheat you out of thousands of dollars.
- The logic is that it’s easier to run fraudulent transactions through a system if you’re linked to a strong credit score.
- “It’s important to understand how identity theft services work and the limits of what they can do,” Grant said.
- That’s why we monitor your personal information and alert you if we spot new activity or changes.
- A Radware survey of 2020 released last month found that of 205 IT security decision-makers, 98% said their apps were subject to an attack in 2020.
- Identity Theft: Cybercriminals can use your SSN to impersonate you, open fraudulent bank accounts, or apply for credit in your name.
- Financial Loss: Unauthorized access to your financial accounts can lead to significant monetary losses.
- Credit Damage: If criminals misuse your SSN, it can result in negative entries on your credit report, affecting your credit score.
- Legal Issues: You may become entangled in legal disputes if your identity is misused for illegal activities.
How SSNs End Up on the Dark Web
Several factors can lead to your social security number being compromised and appearing on the dark web:
- Data Breaches: Large corporations or organizations may suffer data breaches, leaking sensitive information, including SSNs.
- Phishing Attacks: Scammers may trick individuals into revealing their SSNs through deceptive emails or websites.
- Insecure Storage: Individuals storing their SSNs insecurely on devices or cloud storage can lead to unintentional exposure.
- Local Theft: Physical theft of documents containing SSNs can easily lead to misuse.
How to Check if Your SSN is on the Dark Web
Monitoring your SSN’s status on the dark web involves several steps:
- Use Dark Web Monitoring Services: Various services scan the dark web for compromised information. Subscribing to these can alert you if your SSN is found.
- Search on Specialized Websites: Some websites offer tools to check if personal data has been exposed.
- Stay Updated on Data Breach Alerts: Sign up for alerts from organizations that track data breaches.
What to Do if Your Social Security Number is Found on the Dark Web
If you discover that your social security number on dark web has been compromised, take these steps:
- Change Passwords: Update your passwords on all financial and personal accounts to prevent unauthorized access.
- Place a Fraud Alert: Contact one of the major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit report.
- Consider a Credit Freeze: This can prevent creditors from accessing your credit report, making it difficult for identity thieves to open accounts in your name.
- Report to the Authorities: File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or local law enforcement.
- Monitor Financial Accounts: Keep an eye on bank and credit card statements for any suspicious activity.
FAQs About Social Security Number on Dark Web
Q: What is the dark web?
A: The dark web is a part of the internet that requires specific software to access and is a hub for illegal activities.
Q: Why is my SSN valuable to criminals?
A: SSNs are a key identifier for individuals and can be used for identity theft, which can lead to financial gain for criminals.
Q: How can I protect my SSN from being stolen?
A: Use strong passwords, be cautious of phishing attempts, and monitor your financial accounts regularly.
Q: What are some signs of identity theft?
A: Signs include unexpected bills, missing mail, unfamiliar accounts on your credit report, and being denied credit unexpectedly.
Being aware of the risks associated with your social security number on dark web can empower you to take proactive steps in protecting your identity and personal information. Regular monitoring and immediate action can significantly mitigate the dangers posed by cybercriminals.
