Dark Web Social Security Number: What You Need to Know

In today’s digital age, identity theft is a growing concern for many individuals and businesses. One of the most sought-after pieces of personal information on the dark web is the Social Security number (SSN). In this article, we will discuss what the dark web is, how SSNs end up on it, and what you can do to protect yourself.

• Some services, such as Equifax, which leaked over 140 million SSNs onto the internet, have a dedicated tool you can use to see if you have been affected.
• Learning how to protect your personally identifiable information and signing up for ID theft protection goes a long way in keeping your SSN from becoming another dark web statistic.
• An official report from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) acts as proof of who you are and that your identity has been stolen.
• Create an account or use your Capital One account for a faster sign up.
• The resulting stress, financial loss and time spent trying to recover from such a crime can be overwhelming.
• The data allegedly comes from hospitals and paediatricians, according to posts from the broker on the dark web markets Dream and Empire.

This means you’re not responsible for the charges someone else makes. The card is canceled and you’re issued a new one—an inconvenience for sure, but not severely damaging. Every American is entitled to view their credit reports from each of the three main agencies annually.

How To Protect Your Information From The Dark Web

What is the Dark Web?

The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through traditional web browsers. It requires special software, such as the Tor browser, to access. The dark web is often associated with illegal activities, such as the sale of drugs, weapons, and stolen personal information.

How do SSNs End Up on the Dark Web?

In Conclusion: So, Should You Keep Your SSN In A Safe?

Europol and the US Department of Justice launched a sting operation to seize two of the biggest dark web marketplaces and identify thousands of dark web criminals. Personal data like your date of birth, mother’s maiden name, home or office address, age, and so on should be kept secret. Freezing your credit is free and can be deactivated whenever you want to use the card.

There are several ways SSNs can end up on the dark web:

You could refuse to provide it, but they could also refuse you service. When buying a mobile phone or phone plan, the customer could be asked to provide a Social Security number. So for the impersonator getting a phone under your name, not having to pay anything is ideal.

• Data breaches: Hackers can gain access to databases containing SSNs through data breaches.

A freeze doesn’t affect your credit score, but it will block all legitimate credit applications (in addition to fraudulent ones) unless you turn it off. If your email was found on the Dark Web, you could be at risk of identity theft or fraud. One of the lesser known ways that scammers target you is by convincing your phone provider to send them a new SIM for your account. Known as a “SIM swap,” this scam gives fraudsters full access to your phone number — which means all calls and texts go to them, including 2FA codes and password reset links. If you think or know your SSN was leaked to the Dark Web, you can take steps to minimize the damage and protect yourself from identity theft and fraud.

• Phishing scams: Scammers can trick individuals into providing their SSNs through phishing emails or texts.
• Social engineering: Scammers can use social engineering tactics to manipulate individuals into providing their SSNs.
• Physical theft: SSNs can be stolen through physical theft, such as stealing wallets or mail.

Recently, however, it’s become more commonly used by cybercriminals and others engaged in illegal activity who are looking to obscure their identities. Keep reading to learn about the risks, how to spot suspicious activity and how to stay safe when your information is compromised on the dark web. If you are a CreditWise user and get an alert, you’ll get tips about things you can do to help protect your personal info.

How Do I Get My Social Security Number Off The Dark Web?

What Can You Do to Protect Your SSN?

Here are some steps you can take to protect your SSN:

• Keep your SSN secure: Do not carry your SSN card in your wallet, and avoid giving out your SSN unless it is necessary.
• Monitor your credit reports: Regularly check your credit reports for any unusual activity.
• Use a credit monitoring service: Consider using a credit monitoring service to alert you of any changes to your credit report.
• Use strong, unique passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts, and consider using a password manager to keep track of them.
• Be cautious of phishing scams: Be wary of emails or texts asking for your personal information, and never click on links from unknown sources.

FAQs

Q: Can I remove my SSN from the dark web?

A: Once your SSN is on the dark web, it is difficult to remove it. The best course of action is to take steps to protect yourself and monitor your credit reports for any unusual activity.

Q: Is it illegal to access the dark web?

A: No, it is not illegal to access the dark web. However, many activities on the dark web are illegal, and accessing it can put you at risk of accidentally accessing illegal content.

Q: How can I tell if my SSN has been compromised?

A: You can check if your SSN has been compromised by monitoring your credit reports for any unusual activity. You can also use a credit monitoring service to alert you of any changes to your credit report.

This makes it a powerful tool for setting up preventative measures. If you have not yet read our article on the threats linked to using the Barbie filter, read it here. At the company level, employees should be properly and regularly trained, security standards should be at a high level, and the tools that the company uses should be compliant and effective.

Q: What should I do if I suspect my SSN has been compromised?

A: If you suspect your SSN has been compromised, you should contact the three major credit bureaus and place a fraud alert on your credit reports. You should also consider freezing your credit reports to prevent anyone from opening new accounts in your name.

Q: Can I get a new SSN if mine has been compromised?

A: In rare cases, the Social Security Administration may issue a new SSN if yours has been compromised and you can prove that you are experiencing ongoing harm as a result. However, this is a difficult and time-consuming process, and a new SSN may not solve the underlying issue of identity theft.