Can I freeze my SSN online?
You can also place what's known as a self-lock on your SSN through E-Verify® at www.e-verify.gov, a government service that employers use to confirm a job applicant's eligibility to work.
The most common way personal data gets stolen is through data breaches at banks, credit card processing companies and online retailers. Even the best identity theft protection can’t prevent every data leak. A monitoring service will notify you if your social security number, credit card number or other sensitive information has appeared on the dark web. A variety of data breaches can lead to the compromise of your social security number. You should be able to obtain an initial dark web scan free of charge – without paying an ongoing monthly monitoring fee, which we certainly don’t recommend. The initial report will help identify if you have law firm employees that tend to reuse the same password across multiple sites.
Helpful Tips To Prevent Identity Theft Online
Social Security numbers (SSNs) are a critical piece of personal information that can be used for identity theft and other forms of fraud. Unfortunately, it is all too easy for cybercriminals to obtain SSNs from the dark web.
What is the Dark Web?
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines and can only be accessed using special software, such as the Tor browser. It is often associated with illegal activities, including the sale of stolen personal information.
New Account Alerts
If your personal info is detected on the dark web, CreditWise alerts you. Some mobile phone carriers have a security feature that keeps your number from being ported to a new phone until you contact the company to disable the security. However, you may need to contact your carrier to activate the feature.
How is Social Security Number Theft Possible on the Dark Web?
Can I change my SSN?
The Social Security Administration does allow you to change your number, but only under limited circumstances, such as identity theft or if your safety is in danger. You will also need to supply appropriate documentation to support your application for a new number.
Cybercriminals can obtain SSNs from a variety of sources, including data breaches, phishing scams, and malware attacks. Once they have obtained this information, they can sell it on the dark web to other criminals who may use it for fraudulent purposes, such as opening bank accounts or filing tax returns in the victim’s name.
What are the Risks of Dark Web Social Security Number Theft?
If your SSN is stolen and sold on the dark web, you may be at risk for a variety of forms of identity theft and fraud. This can include:
- Financial identity theft: Criminals may use your SSN to open bank accounts, apply for credit cards, or take out loans in your name.
- Tax fraud: Criminals may use your SSN to file tax returns and claim refunds in your name.
- Medical identity theft: Criminals may use your SSN to obtain medical care or prescription medications in your name.
How Can You Protect Yourself from Dark Web Social Security Number Theft?
There are a few steps you can take to protect yourself from dark web SSN theft:
Can SSN Theft Result In A Monetary Loss?
- Regularly monitor your credit reports for any suspicious activity.
- Consider placing a freeze on your credit to prevent anyone from opening new accounts in your name.
- Be cautious of phishing scams and never give out your personal information, including your SSN, in response to an unsolicited email or phone call.
- Use strong, unique passwords for all of your online accounts and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
- Keep your computer and antivirus software up to date to protect against malware attacks.
Unfortunately, your wallet now includes open financial accounts, including PayPal, Venmo, and investment applications like Acorns. Google has announced new tools, features and updates to improve users’ online safety, help them evaluate content found online, and alert them if their Gmail identity appears on the dark web. Your social security number is too important to fall into the hands of cybercriminals. So if you were wondering ‘What can hackers do with my social security number’, you can see that unfortunately, the list is pretty long – further verifying the need to protect your social security number. These alerts can be sent via email or directly to one’s mobile phone.
FAQs
Choose from business checking, business credit cards, merchant services or visit our business resource center. Several services, including the major credit bureaus, offer to scan the dark web to see if your information is out there. While this may sound negative, it’s the unfortunate reality given the amount of electronic data we provide nearly every day combined with a growing number of data breaches around the world. Total fraud and identity theft cases have nearly tripled over the last decade, according to the nonprofit National Council on Identity Theft Protection, rising to more than 1.4 million a year by 2022.
Q: Can I check if my SSN is for sale on the dark web?
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. Having your data exposed on the dark web can be dangerous, but there are some steps you can take to stay safe.
Can my information be removed from the dark web?
It is generally implausible to remove data that has been disseminated within the Dark Web. Individuals whose PII has been discovered on the Dark Web are encouraged to enroll in an identity and credit monitoring service immediately.
A: It is not recommended to try to access the dark web yourself, as it can be dangerous and illegal. Instead, consider using a reputable identity theft protection service, which can monitor the dark web for you and alert you if your personal information is found.
Q: What should I do if I think my SSN has been stolen?
- The service will update you with information like when the data breach occurred, what website or account was hacked, and what personal information about you was published without your consent.
- With data breaches becoming more common, stringent measures to protect critical financial, medical, and other personal information are more important than ever.
- If your personal info is detected on the dark web, CreditWise alerts you.
- The vendors will produce a report showing that your email address, social security number, password, etc. were found on the dark web.
A: If you suspect that your SSN has been stolen, you should:
- Contact the Social Security Administration to report the theft and request a new number.
- Contact the credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit reports.
- File a police report.
- Consider placing a freeze on your credit to prevent anyone from opening new accounts in your name.
Q: How can I prevent my SSN from being stolen in the first place?
A: The best way to prevent SSN theft is to be cautious with your personal information and protect yourself online. This includes using strong, unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and keeping your computer and antivirus software up to date. Additionally, be wary of phishing scams and never give out your personal information, including your SSN, in response to an unsolicited email or phone call.
Should I lock my Social Security number?
There are several advantages of locking your Social Security number: No one can use your Social Security number when it's locked. No one can apply for a job in your name and run up a tax bill for money you never earned.
