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How do I know if I’m on the dark web?
To check if your information is on the dark web, you can use IdentityIQ identity theft protection services. All you need to do is enter the information you want scanned for on the dark web and IdentityIQ services does the rest.
The dark web is a notorious place where cybercriminals buy and sell sensitive information, including social security numbers (SSNs). If you’ve ever wondered if your SSN is on the dark web, this article will help you understand the risks and what you can do to protect yourself.
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What is the Dark Web?
The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is only accessible through special software, such as the Tor browser. It is often associated with illegal activities, such as the sale of stolen personal information, drugs, and weapons.
New Report Finds 16,000 Social Security Numbers And Birth Dates From TUSD On The Dark Web
There are limits to the abilities of automated tools—if you use a less popular service, or your data has been leaked recently, it might not be in the scanner’s database at the time of scanning. It’s impossible to search the entire dark web for your information because it’s designed to hide what’s stored within it. The most that a typical scan can do is determine the date your data may have been exposed. Still, there’s always the chance that more of your data is out there than can be detected.
How Do Social Security Numbers End Up on the Dark Web?
Social security numbers can end up on the dark web in a variety of ways. They can be stolen in data breaches, such as the Equifax breach in 2017, where hackers stole the personal information of 147 million people. They can also be obtained through phishing scams, where cybercriminals trick people into giving up their personal information.
Should You Be Concerned If You Get A Dark Web Alert?
Is Your Social Security Number on the Dark Web?
It’s difficult to know for sure if your SSN is on the dark web. However, there are a few steps you can take to protect yourself:
- Monitor your credit reports: You can request a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus once a year. Look for any suspicious activity, such as new accounts you didn’t open.
- Sign up for a credit monitoring service: These services will alert you if there are any changes to your credit report, such as a new account being opened in your name.
- Consider a dark web scan: Some identity protection services offer dark web scans, which will search the dark web for your personal information. However, it’s important to note that these scans are not foolproof and may not catch everything.
What to Do If Your Social Security Number is on the Dark Web
By following these steps and staying vigilant, you can minimize the potential damage and protect yourself from further harm. Similar to Discover’s program, Capital One will monitor the dark web for your SSN. Evan graduated from SUNY Oswego with a degree in journalism and creative writing. In his professional writing career, he strives for precision and comprehension in his work. He’s written news articles, blog posts, and copy, working across a slew of different mediums. With in-depth research and great care for accuracy and detail, he now works to bring you the most up-to-date credit information.
If you discover that your SSN is on the dark web, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. Here are some steps you can take:
Can you get your information removed from the dark web?
It is generally implausible to remove data that has been disseminated within the Dark Web.
- Freeze your credit: This will prevent anyone from opening new accounts in your name. You can unfreeze your credit when you need to apply for credit.
- Place a fraud alert: This will alert creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.
- File a police report: This will create a record of the theft, which can be helpful if you need to dispute fraudulent charges or apply for a new SSN.
- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission: The FTC can help you create a recovery plan and provide resources to help you protect yourself from identity theft.
In addition to the information in the users’ monitoring profile, Google will also show “other related info” that could also be found on the dark web during the monitoring process. Google reassures users that all information available with the company, either supplied by the users or scraped from the dark web, will be handled in accordance with its privacy policy. Users will also be able to delete any information from their profile or stop monitoring at any time. Christina Warren — a former reporter who now works for a large tech company — was about 12-years-old when she started receiving credit card bills. After collection notices piled up, her parents had to convince creditors her identity had been stolen.
FAQs
Q: Can I remove my social security number from the dark web?
A: No, once your SSN is on the dark web, it’s difficult to remove it. The best thing you can do is take steps to protect yourself from identity theft.
- Your bank or credit card issuer will help you shut down your accounts and open new ones.
- We monitor thousands of sites on the Dark Web—a hidden area of the Internet where stolen Social Security numbers can be traded or sold for the purposes of identity theft and fraud.
- Due to its hidden nature, the dark web creates challenges for law enforcement agencies to monitor and apprehend cybercriminals.
- From this same website I have found that they have changed the rules for charging for freezing and unfreezing your credit.
- Cybercriminals steal your information through data breaches, ransomware, and hacking.
- Falling victim to a scam on the Dark Web can not only result in financial loss but also expose you to blackmail or extortion.
Q: How can I prevent my social security number from being stolen?
A: There are several steps you can take to prevent your SSN from being stolen, such as shredding documents that contain your personal information, using strong and unique passwords, and avoiding clicking on links from unknown sources.
Q: Is it safe to use the dark web to search for my personal information?
Should I freeze 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. No one can use your Social Security number to apply for credit or open new accounts in your name.
A: No, it’s not recommended to use the dark web to search for your personal information. The dark web is a dangerous place, and it’s easy to accidentally download malware or fall victim to a scam.
In conclusion, the social security number is a valuable piece of information that can be used for identity theft. It’s important to take steps to protect yourself, such as monitoring your credit reports and signing up for a credit monitoring service. If you discover that your SSN is on the dark web, take action as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Remember, the dark web is a dangerous place, and it’s best to avoid it altogether.
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!
