In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of data breaches, resulting in the exposure of sensitive information, including social security numbers (SSNs). These numbers are highly sought after by cybercriminals, who can use them for various malicious activities such as identity theft, tax fraud, and financial fraud.
How Does a Social Security Number End Up on the Dark Web?
Online Account Credentials
There are several ways a social security number can end up on the dark web. Some of the most common methods include:
- Data breaches: Cybercriminals can gain unauthorized access to databases containing personal information, including SSNs, through phishing scams, malware attacks, or other vulnerabilities in a system’s security.
- Selling stolen data: Once a cybercriminal has obtained personal information, they can sell it on the dark web to other criminals who can use it for malicious purposes.
- Phishing scams: Cybercriminals can trick individuals into providing their SSNs through phishing emails, text messages, or phone calls. These scams often appear to be from legitimate organizations, such as banks or government agencies, and may use threats or urgency to convince the victim to provide their information.
Is a CPN illegal?
Using a CPN to conceal your credit history is illegal and may be considered identity theft. Building credit takes time and requires responsible credit habits, such as paying bills on time every month.
What Are the Risks of Having Your Social Security Number on the Dark Web?
How Can I Check If My SSN Was Leaked?
Having your SSN on the dark web can significantly increase your risk of becoming a victim of identity theft or other forms of fraud. Some of the potential risks include:
Can I check my SSN status online?
On the My Home page scroll down to the Your Benefit Applications section and select View Details under the More Info heading. View your application status in the Current Status section. Check the status of your Social Security application online today!
You can mitigate some of this risk by filtering your Google Alerts for news sites and by configuring it to display only the best results. Tracking your credit card activity is essential after a suspected cybersecurity incident. Credit card numbers are one of the most common targets of cyberattacks. Scams racking up many small, fraudulent charges over a short period are common and often go undetected.
Can You Remove Your SSN (and Other Info) From The Dark Web?
- Identity theft: Cybercriminals can use your SSN to open new accounts, apply for loans, or file tax returns in your name, causing significant financial and reputational damage.
- Financial fraud: Criminals can use your SSN to gain access to your existing financial accounts, make unauthorized transactions, or apply for credit cards in your name.
- Tax fraud: Cybercriminals can use your SSN to file fraudulent tax returns, claiming refunds in your name and causing significant financial and legal issues.
The dark web is a place where identity thieves can buy or sell personal information on hard-to-find websites and forums. Norton™ 360 with LifeLock™ features built-in Dark Web Monitoring§ that carefully scans even the deepest parts of the dark web and notifies you if your information is found. I froze all of my credit reports (will be freezing LexusNexus and ChexSystems today). If you suspect or discover your personal information is on the dark web, change your passwords right away.
What Can You Do to Protect Your Social Security Number?
While it’s not possible to completely eliminate the risk of having your SSN exposed, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Even if you don’t have dark web monitoring, if there is reason to believe that your personal information has been stolen, you should assume that it can end up for sale on the dark web.
- If your SSN has been leaked, you’ll want to keep a close eye on your financial accounts.
- There are safer methods you can follow, such as reviewing your credit accounts, mySocialSecurity account, taxes, and benefits claims.
- Even if they may not be able to really do anything about it, children are not immune to identity theft.
- Protect your personal information: Be cautious about providing your SSN or other personal information online or over the phone. Only provide your information to trusted sources, and avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
- Monitor your credit reports: Regularly check your credit reports for any suspicious activity or unauthorized accounts. You can request a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus once a year at annualcreditreport.com.
- Consider identity theft protection: There are several identity theft protection services available that can help monitor your personal information and alert you to any potential threats. These services can also provide assistance in the event that your identity is stolen.
- Consider freezing your credit: If you believe your SSN has been compromised, consider freezing your credit to prevent anyone from opening new accounts in your name. This can be done through each of the three major credit bureaus.
They commonly take payment in the form of Bitcoins or other “cryptocurrency” that can’t be traced. The anonymity of the dark web makes it challenging for law enforcement to find and prosecute these people. The dark web is a part of the internet that provides anonymous and secure communication channels. It’s home to several illicit activities including drug trafficking, illegal weapon sales and trafficking of stolen Personally Identifiable Information (PII) like passwords and social security numbers. A compromised social security number is much more problematic than when other types of personal data hacked. If your credit card number is stolen, your bank can issue a new one within days.
FAQs
What is the dark web?
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines and requires special software, such as the Tor browser, to access. It is often associated with illegal activities, such as the sale of stolen personal information and drugs.
How can I check if my social security number is on the dark web?
It’s not possible to directly check if your SSN is on the dark web. However, you can monitor your credit reports and consider using an identity theft protection service to help detect any potential threats.
What should I do if I suspect my social security number has been compromised?
If you suspect your SSN has been compromised, consider freezing your credit and placing a fraud alert on your credit reports. You should also monitor your financial accounts for any suspicious activity and consider filing a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and your local law enforcement agency.
Can I get a new social security number?
In most cases, it is not possible to get a new social security number. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will only issue a new number in cases of severe identity theft or other extreme circumstances.
How to find out if someone is using my child’s Social Security number?
Contact the three credit bureaus.
The credit reporting agencies do not knowingly maintain credit files on minor children. You can find out if your child may be a victim of identity theft by contacting the three major credit bureaus.
