Is YOUR Data For Sale On The Dark Web? Here’s How To Check If You’ve Been Affected
Understanding the Risks of a Phone Number Found on Dark Web
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines and is often associated with illegal activities. One of the critical concerns for individuals today is the security of their personal information, especially when a phone number found on dark web is involved. This article explores what happens when your phone number appears on the dark web and what steps you can take to protect yourself.
What Does It Mean to Find a Phone Number on the Dark Web?
We also monitor your Experian credit report and notify you whenever any new inquiry or credit account is reported to your Experian credit file, even if it’s not a Discover account. In most cases, you will probably recognize it as an activity that you authorized. However, if you don’t recognize the activity, we’ll let you know what steps you need to take including informing the credit bureaus and report the activity as fraudulent.
When a phone number found on dark web, it typically indicates that the number has been compromised, often through data breaches, hacks, or illicit sales of personal information.
This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. The Texas Department of Public Safety provides the “Identity Theft Brochure” only as a convenience. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR VERIFYING THE ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, CURRENCY AND SUITABILITY OF ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN. The Department does not endorse, guarantee or warrant any of the referenced commercial products or services and any mention of commercial products or services is for informational purposes only.
Here are common ways a phone number can end up on the dark web:
One of these threats is the emergence of the Dark Web, a hidden part of the internet where illegal activities thrive. Not only does the Dark Web host illegal marketplaces and forums, but it’s also a breeding ground for the sale and exchange of personal information. This step restricts access to your credit file, stopping lenders from extending credit to scammers who may be using your identity. However, credit locks, which allow you to instantly lock and unlock your credit file, are usually paid services.
- Data breaches from social media platforms or websites.
- Phishing scams that reveal personal information.
- Malware infections that collect user data.
You can start by listing and reviewing all open accounts that may have your SSN on file. Next, conduct a search for recent known breaches that could impact these current accounts. At Elevity, we leverage the latest cybersecurity technology and use a step-by-step plan to mitigate and respond to risks.
Scammers and hackers could use your number to access your cloud accounts, which might hold private photos and details about you. They could then threaten to reveal your identity or information unless you pay a ransom. While the Dark Web provides user freedom and privacy, it’s also home to illicit activities, criminals, and illegal forums and marketplaces. Largely protected from detection and prosecution, Dark Web users can freely peddle stolen goods and data — including your phone number. It’s not unusual that the hacker was able to get ahold of the woman’s phone number and information in the first place. The study highlights that online banking logins cost an average of $30, while full credit card details can be purchased for $10-$100.
In addition to showing results matched to the personal info you added to your monitoring profile, dark web report will also show you other related info that may be found in those data breaches. The info in your monitoring profile is handled according to Google’s privacy policy and you can delete any info from your profile or stop monitoring at any time. Following a loss or theft, you should keep a close eye on your credit reports, as these can be your first indication of identity theft. It’s important to note that once your personal information is on the dark web, it can be hard if not impossible to remove it. Try 1Password for free today and see how easy it is to monitor data breaches, get alerts if you’ve been compromised, and protect your accounts from criminals on the dark web.
If anything is found, you’ll get an alert in near real-time along with help from Identity Guard’s U.S.-based team of Fraud Resolution Specialists. What makes you think your numbers have been on the “dark web?” What do you think someone can do with your phone number? They used to pass out books to every household listing the phone number of the entire community. How could you sign into social media accounts using just a phone number?
Why Is It Important to Monitor Your Phone Number?
Finding your phone number on dark web can have serious implications. Here are the potential risks:
- Identity Theft: Malicious actors can use your phone number to gain access to bank accounts or personal information.
- Fraud: Scammers may use your number to impersonate you, leading to financial losses.
- Spam Calls: Your phone number may be sold to telemarketers or used in spam campaigns.
How to Check if Your Phone Number is on the Dark Web
To determine if your phone number found on dark web, consider the following methods:
- Utilize dark web monitoring services that scan for your information.
- Search the dark web through specific forums and marketplaces that may contain your details.
- Check data breach notification services that alert users when their information is compromised.
What to Do If You Find Your Phone Number on the Dark Web
Discovering your phone number found on dark web can be alarming. Here are steps to mitigate risks:
- Change Your Passwords: If you suspect any accounts are compromised, update passwords immediately.
- Activate Two-Factor Authentication: Enable 2FA on all accounts that support it to add an extra layer of security.
- Notify Your Bank: Inform your bank and credit institutions about the potential threat.
- Consider a Credit Freeze: Freezing your credit can prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What should I do if my phone number is found on the dark web?
If your phone number found on dark web, take immediate actions to secure your accounts and consider monitoring your credit regularly.
2. Can I remove my phone number from the dark web?
- To glean phone numbers from the web, fraudsters use various techniques, such as web-scraping.
- However, email and text message MFAs are the least secure of all these options.
- This year, the seemingly-endless parade of hacks and data breaches includes the video game Fortnite, Dunkin’ Donuts, and the Dow Jones company.
- You cannot be too careful when protecting your identity these days.
- In today’s digital landscape, protecting your personal information is of utmost importance.
It’s challenging to completely remove personal information from the dark web. However, you can minimize risks through monitoring and security measures.
3. How can I protect my phone number from being leaked?
Be cautious with the information you share online, use strong passwords, and engage in regular security practices.
In conclusion, the presence of a phone number found on dark web poses significant concerns that require immediate action. Awareness and proactive measures can help manage risks associated with personal information exposure online.
