Savings Accounts & CDs
Contact the three credit reporting agencies and ask them to place fraud alerts and a credit freeze on your accounts. Similar to getting a credit card, an identity thief could use your SSN and other personal information and ID to open a bank account. They may use it to deposit illegal funds or make big withdrawals that you’ll be held responsible for. I’ve already covered the infamous Equifax scandal at the beginning of this article.
The Dark Web and Your Social Security Number
The dark web is a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by traditional search engines. It requires special software, like Tor, to access. This underground world has gained notoriety for its illicit activities, including the trade of sensitive information, such as social security numbers.
In this respect, they can be very valuable commodities for a hacker to get hold of. Identity, in the sense of an online way of identifying an individual, is typically made up from ‘attributes’. These attributes are snippets of information, such as your name, address, date of birth, social security number, and so on. In an exposé article by cyber-intelligence firm DarkOwl, they explain how a hacker group (or possibly an individual) known as “TheDarkOverlord” operates. The post shows the sites that the hacker uses to sell on any stolen data.
What is a Social Security Number?
Offer pros and cons are determined by our editorial team, based on independent research. The banks, lenders, and credit card companies are not responsible for any content posted on this site and do not endorse or guarantee any reviews. You can check to see where your information appears with a free dark web scan. And while there might not be a simple way to get your information removed from the dark web, you can take measures to protect your accounts and identity. If you’ve heard of the dark web, you might be worried that criminals can use it to steal your identity and access accounts. Make purchases with your debit card, and bank from almost anywhere by phone, tablet or computer and more than 15,000 ATMs and more than 4,700 branches.
Unfortunately, Social Security number theft isn’t always easy to spot. For example, if your SSN is leaked and scammers use it to take out government benefits in your name, you’ll only find out if you try to take out benefits yourself and are denied. In this guide, we’ll explain how to tell if your SSN has been compromised and how to protect yourself against identity theft, fraud, and SSN theft. In today’s world businesses around the world as well as in Australia, face increasingly sophisticated and innovative cybercriminals targeting what matters most to them; their money, data and reputation. Download our guide to learn everything you need to know about the Optus Data Breach, as well as the nine steps every business around the world and in Australia needs to take to avoid being next.
A social security number (SSN) is a unique identifier assigned to individuals in the United States for tracking earnings and benefits. It plays a crucial role in various financial and legal activities, such as:
If you have an existing MyCredit Guide account, ID Monitoring Alerts are also available in addition to any credit alerts you may already receive. Review your financial and social security statements for suspicious charges or missing money. Use our free scan to see if any information about you and your accounts seems out of place, incorrect, or suspicious. We recommend that you regularly scan your details to see if your information has been breached or exposed. Sometimes, opening a new account isn’t worth the effort, and thieves shake you down for whatever’s in your wallet. Unfortunately, your wallet now includes open financial accounts, including PayPal, Venmo, and investment applications like Acorns.
- Opening bank accounts
- Applying for loans
- Filing taxes
- Receiving government benefits
Criminals do this by tricking or paying off mobile phone carriers’ employees. They then can have your text message MFA codes sent to a phone they control so they can access your accounts. To check the security of the passwords saved to your Google Account, go to Password Checkup.
Protect yourself from credit card fraud by using technology, statement and credit report reviews, and recognizing common fraud tactics. Learn about different types of credit protection services to safeguard you from unforeseen events and fraudsters. ID Monitoring from MyCredit Guide scans certain internet sites on the Surface Web, Deep Web, and Dark Web. The Surface Web is made up of the websites indexed by typical search engines, such as Google, Yahoo, and Bing. The Deep Web consists of the part of the internet that isn’t indexed by common search engines, while the Dark Web consists of websites whose IP addresses are encrypted or hidden.
Still, there’s always the chance that more of your data is out there than can be detected. Many apps are home to scamming activity, such as WhatsApp scams, when criminals pose as a family member or friend calling from a new, unknown phone number and claim to have an emergency. Using MFA helps ensure that even if someone has found your usernames and passwords on the dark web, they won’t be able to access your accounts. Make sure your antivirus protection is up to date and perform thorough security scans on all your devices.
- Ultimately, the best thing you can do to protect yourself from identity theft is keep your sensitive information private, secure, and off the Dark Web.
- Check that your contact details, credit accounts, payment history, inquiries by lenders or creditors, and public records (bankruptcies, tax liens, civil judgments) are as expected.
- Basically, it is complete information on a prospective fraud victim.
- Despite its intended use for official purposes, an SSN is unfortunately highly sought after by criminals due to the potential for identity theft and financial fraud.
The Importance of Protecting Your SSN
Your social security number is one of the most sensitive pieces of personal information you can possess. If it falls into the wrong hands, it can lead to identity theft. Consider the following:
- Identity thieves can open accounts in your name.
- They can file fraudulent tax returns.
- Your credit score can be severely impacted.
How the Dark Web Markets Social Security Numbers
The dark web is rife with marketplaces where stolen personal information, including social security numbers, is bought and sold. Here is how it typically works:
- Hackers breach databases to steal large volumes of personal information.
- They then sell this information on dark web forums or marketplaces.
- Prices for a stolen SSN can vary, often depending on demand and the source of the data.
Risks Associated with Exposure on the Dark Web
If your social security number turns up on the dark web, you may face serious consequences, such as:
- Fraudulent credit card charges.
- Illegal immigration status issues.
- Difficulty in obtaining loans or financial services.
Detecting a Compromise
To safeguard against risks associated with a compromised social security number, consider taking the following measures:
- Monitor your financial statements regularly.
- Sign up for credit monitoring services.
- Utilize identity theft protection services.
FAQs
How can I check if my SSN is on the dark web?
Specialized services can monitor the dark web for your information. These services often alert you if they find your social security number listed.
What should I do if my SSN is found on the dark web?
If your social security number is compromised, act quickly by:
- Contacting financial institutions.
- Filing a report with the Federal Trade Commission.
- Considering a credit freeze.
Can I prevent my SSN from being sold on the dark web?
While it is impossible to guarantee complete prevention, you can reduce your risk by:
- Being cautious with sharing your SSN.
- Utilizing strong passwords and security measures online.
- Regularly updating your security settings.
Conclusion
The dark web poses significant threats to personal information, including your social security number. Understanding the risks and taking proactive steps to protect your sensitive information is essential in today’s digital landscape.
